Margaret Cremen Wins Silver in Lightweight Women’s Single at European Rowing Championships

Margaret Cremen Shines at European Rowing Championships

The final day of the European Rowing Championships in Szeged, Hungary was a test of both skill and endurance, with challenging conditions adding an extra layer of difficulty for the competitors. Despite the odds, Margaret Cremen emerged victorious, clinching the silver medal in the lightweight women’s single event.

Cremen, hailing from Cork, had to adapt quickly to a change in plans after her lightweight double’s partner, Aoife Casey, had to withdraw from the event due to illness. Undeterred, Cremen seized the opportunity and put on a stellar performance, finishing second behind Alena Furman of Belarus, who claimed yet another European title.

The race was a battle against the elements, with a stiff headwind making it crucial for the rowers to time their efforts effectively. Cremen got off to a strong start, leading the pack at the 500m mark, but Furman eventually took the lead and secured the win in 8:32.17, with Cremen crossing the finish line in second place with a time of 8:42.96.

This impressive performance has earned Cremen a spot in her second Olympics, alongside Casey. The duo’s prospects for Paris look promising, despite some top lightweight crews missing from the competition.

In other events, Jake McCarthy had high hopes for a medal in the men’s lightweight single final but struggled with the challenging conditions, finishing in sixth place. Fintan McCarthy, his twin brother, had to withdraw from the lightweight doubles event due to illness but showed resilience by competing in the men’s heavyweight single.

As the European Championships come to a close, Irish rowers have already secured six boats for the Paris Olympics. With their sights set on further success, the team will have another opportunity to qualify more boats at the upcoming Lucerne regatta in May. O’Donovan, in particular, aims to make history by winning a medal in three consecutive Olympics, a feat never achieved by an Irish athlete before.