On Wednesday COBRA had the pleasure of hosting a belated reunion for the ‘72/’73 CAIBC crew, with a few extra crewmates from that era, along with their coach Sid Grey. Many hadn’t seen each other since leaving school. The ‘72/’73 crew were one of, if not the most successful crews from CAIBC. They won the Senior Schoolboy/Youth VIII+ and IV+ Championships of Ireland and represented Ireland in the Home International Regatta with the VIII+ coming 2nd and the IV+ winning.

The day started with a reception in the school boardroom followed by a tour of the school museum with Joe Cassells, which took everyone back 50 years. After lunch, the group toured the new boathouse, inspected the current fleet (comparing the modern carbon fibre boats to their wooden ones) and met some of the current athletes. The original ‘72/’73 official crew photograph (available on our website Archive page) was re-created, barring absentees.

Then came the burning question – did the nine of them feel willing, or able, to get back out in an eight? Colin Hunter, who has rarely been away from a boat over the 50 years was not in doubt. Especially as he was just back from the World Masters Championships where he won 3 events. Old Irish vests were donned and after a quick warmup on the ergometers, they hit the water.

The first strokes were rather wobbly but the old crew cohesion soon came back and what was to be a short trip to the Old Bridge soon got extended above it. The current coaches were impressed with how balanced and together the crew was, however the gasping of some members suggested it was best not to over do a good thing and they soon retired to their black-tie dinner to further their reminiscences.

Thanks to Joe Cassells and Jeremy Johnston for facilitating the reunion. Does anyone want to organise their reunion? Don’t wait 50 years – 10, 20, 30 or 40 would work too!