Michael Duke (Palatine, Carlow) represented Ireland at the recent Home International Regatta held at Strathclyde Park Scotland on the 27th July. 16 year old Michael and his Neptune club mate and pair partner Tommy Little 17 were selected for the Irish Junior men’s (Under 19) team following their performance at the national time trail selection regatta held at the National Rowing Centre in Cork on the 23rd of June.

Michael and Tommy raced with their club mates from Neptune in the junior 8 in mid July placing 4th before they joined other selected national team members for a training camp in Galway. Their junior teammates hailed from St Joseph’s Galway, Presentation College Cork and Colaiste  Iognaid Galway. At Strathclyde Park Ireland faced tough opposition from selected crews representing England, Scotland and Wales. Michael raced alongside his teammates in the 8 finishing 2nd and in the 4 finishing 3rd. It was a great experience for  Michael and an honour to represent Ireland.