GARDA women have followed up last weekend's success on the water by securing a financial commitment worth over £12,000 in club funds to launch their assault on this year's novice eights championship.

The announcement was made at a reception in the Islandbridge club last night, with money raised during the EBS-sponsored Golf Classic tournament on June 19th (expected to top £6,500) being funnelled directly into the women's squad as part of a two-year project to improve facilities and equipment.

While Garda oarsmen have benefited from Dublin postings, the women's rowing in the past has been coloured by the squad's dispersal across the country. However, third place in the Tribesman Head novice fours last Saturday now raises the prospect of a championship campaign in the novice eight division later this summer.