Crews from across the island take part in the premier long distance rowing event Ireland.
Crews from 22 boat clubs from throughout Ireland took part in the race in ideal conditions in Galway. They competed against each other, monitored by a radio controlled computer capable of split second timing.
Competition in this year's event was tougher than ever, with several Olympic rowers taking part. The three and a half mile race was led by teams from University College Dublin, Neptune and Queens University Belfast.
The race for the finish line saw UCD cross in first place, Neptune second and QUB in third. Towards the end of the race, the Neptune crew veered dangerously close to the salmon weir. The crew appeared unprepared for the strong flow in the river following recent heavy rainfall. There were signs of relief when they cleared the weir.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 20 March 1981. The reporter is Jim Fahy.
The music accompanying this report is 'Inner Dream' by Gordon Giltrap.
