Rowing: Sam Lynch left the door open for a return to the international set-up on Saturday when he competed at the Leinster regional time trial at Blessington.

Earlier this year the man who had twice been a world champion in a lightweight single scull said he was stepping away from the sport, citing a hip injury and a pressing schedule - he is doing final medical exams which will not be complete until April - but on Saturday when questioned about a return he would not rule it out.

"My priority this year is my exams, and after that sure we'll see where it goes," said the Limerickman. He said he had not yet discussed the situation with national coach Harald Jahrling, who might have his own view. "It all depends on whether Harald sees me - if he sees me in the picture at all."

On a day when Blessington Lakes looked stunningly beautiful in the sunshine, Lynch finished second in a strong field, behind impressive heavyweight Seán Jacob. Tim Harnedy, who is coming back after an ankle injury, was fifth, and he confirmed afterwards he will team up with Lynch in a lightweight double scull for the next big test, the national time trial in four weeks' time in Cork.

Harnedy did not travel with the rest of the elite squad to Cyprus yesterday because of college commitments.

Gearóid Towey, who was entered for Blessington, chose not to compete because of mild flu symptoms.

Seán Casey was by far the fastest sculler at the Inniscarra time trial, and in the Ulster test lightweight sculler Orlagh Duddy again topped the list, which was compiled by giving a weighting to times as a percentage of the projected world best figure.

Limerick's trial had to be switched to Limerick docks because of fog at O'Brien's Bridge, while the Galway trial gave Kieran Beckles and Darragh McGuigan a chance to show their fighting qualities. They clocked the fastest time for a junior pair - despite a capsize!