ROWING: The depth of talent in Irish rowing looks set to be seriously tested in this pre-Olympic year. Hot on the heels of the news that Gearóid Towey is likely to miss the season comes another setback with the confirmation that Tim Harnedy will not take part in the national time trial and a training camp in France next month.

The 24-year-old Skibbereen man took a World Championship silver as part of the Ireland lightweight four in 2005 in Japan, but he suffered an ankle injury at the end of that year and, despite an operation in June of last year he struggled to find form through the season and lost his place in the four - to Towey.

Harnedy and Towey were among the 10 lightweight men invited to this weekend's senior training camp at Inniscarra Lake in Cork, but more importantly they were set to compete at next weekend's senior time trial at the same venue.

On the following Monday, March 5th, a big elite group will travel to St Cassien in France for a three-week training camp. According to team manager Mick O'Callaghan, the plan is to take eight lightweight men, four women and between 10 and 12 heavyweight men. There will be much interest in who will make the cut, and O'Callaghan said yesterday those hoping to go must "prove their wellbeing" in the trial.

"It's fair to say we have a lot of the plans made for France, but we're flexible. Whatever Harald (Jahrling) recommends on Sunday week, I can get them there on Monday night," said O'Callaghan.

The Irish Amateur Rowing Union have advertised for a coach education officer and, in a separate development, today is the closing date for applications for the position of coach to the Ireland under-23s for this season.

The top juniors in the country will be heading to five venues this weekend for regional time trials. Blessington and Newry host tests today, while Inniscarra Lake, O'Brien's Bridge and Galway will be the venues in use on Sunday.

The New Ross festival of rowing this weekend may have suffered because of the clash. Sunday's time trial, over five kilometres, will have a good representation from clubs affiliated to the IARU, but tomorrow's demanding, 18-kilometre marathon head of the river has a small, fixed-seat entry.

This test seems tame, however, compared to rowing an ocean. On this day exactly a year ago, Paul Gleeson and Tori Holmes reached Antigua after rowing from the Canary Islands. Gleeson was recently named Limerickman of the Year.