Tuesday, 21 February 2012 15:45

Competitors in the Irish Kayaking championships pictured at the launch of Sunday's long distance race at Lough Lannagh, Castlebar, as competitors moved off to the starting point at IslandeadyGMIT Castlebar scored on the double at the Irish intervarsity kayaking championship held at Lough Lannagh at the weekend amid a blaze of colour and intrigue.

Not only did the institute host the event with notable distinction, but its nine-strong squad lifted the kayak polo competition.

The side overpowered Dublin City University in the decider by three goals to one in a thrilling encounter.

The members of the triumphant squad were Keith Byrne, Feidhlim Dignan, Eric Conway,

Shona O'Dowd, Mark Brogan, Ken Hynes, Carol Dunphy, Kevin Pierce and Gavin Porter.

They had got off to a splendid start to the series with a 7-4 victory over NUI, Maynooth. Castlebar registered seven more goals, this time without reply, in their quarterfinal success of University of Limerick.

The penultimate round clash against Dublin Institute of Technology proved very demanding before the home side emerged victorious by four goals to two.

Nigel Jennings, the sports officer at GMIT, praised the squad on its outstanding achievement.

He said the players had prepared extremely hard over the winter months and showed promising form on the run-up to the championships.

There was a big turnout of spectators for the long-distance race on Sunday with a carnival atmosphere in the vicinity of the diving board.

Over 500 students from 18 third level colleagues across the country travelled to Castlebar for the championships which included events such as whitewater and freestyle.

The whitewater event was staged on Clydagh River, Castlebar, with the freestyle event taking place along the Clare River in Tuam.

The closing awards ceremony and presentation of prizes took place GMIT Castlebar in the afternoon.

The event gave members of the public an opportunity to view a sport at which Ireland has been represented in every Olympics since Munich in 1972.

The students at GMIT Castlebar have been widely praised in the community for meeting the challenge of organising such a large event with great energy and ability.