ROWING/Weekly column: One of the enduring schisms in Irish rowing has concerned the emerging National Rowing Centre on Inniscarra Lake in Cork. Some feel it should never have been sited in what they see as a remote location and will never win over the hearts of the mass of rowing people. Others feel it has a bright future; once it is built they will come.

The devotees were given a lift a few months ago when the a.g.m. of the Irish Amateur Rowing Union reacted very positively to a presentation on the centre by Mick O'Callaghan, the man who has overseen the NRC's development.

And, in the run-up to the official opening of the first phase of development, probably next month, comes another lift.

"The new rowing centre in Inniscarra is going to be phenomenal," writes Walter Martindale, coach to the Alberta Rowing Association on his website.

Martindale, who combined a holiday with timing the national trials in admirably professional fashion, was not  writing for an Irish audience so his views hold plenty of water. He does, however, point out  the centre is still in need of finishing.

"The new boathouse is designed to have two more floors added to it when the government provides more funding. There are four spacious boat bays, toilets and so on, and a water treatment plant for lake water (which was the less expensive option than bringing in town water)."

Here Martindale puts his finger on one of the key points, of course. While the present structure will be functional the full development of the NRC depends on the powers that be.

In addition, if it is to fulfil the role of being the base for international squads and if international events are to be hosted there, something beyond bed and breakfasts will have to be organised as accommodation.

For all this, those most critical of the venue may find themselves softening when they see the extent of development.

Meanwhile, two sprint regattas are scheduled for this weekend at different ends of the country, although Bantry's is in doubt because of a forecast of high winds.

In Belfast a recent trend towards more participation by veteran crews is given another spin with the presence of mixed veteran crews.