In the US, there are many rowing clubs dedicated to promoting the nautical heritage of Ireland through currach (a wood framed boat traditionally covered with light skins, although all modern currachs now use canvas and black oil paint) racing. Founded in 1987 and sanctioned by the No. Amer. Currach Assoc., the Albany Irish Rowing Club members range from 16 to 70 years of age, and regularly hold practice sessions on the Hudson River near the Corning Preserve, from February through November. The teams compete in numerous regattas during the summer months. Each club holds their own regatta, with albany holding their regatta during the month of September. The race, which takes place between the Dunn Memorial Bridge and Patroon Island Bridge, features teams from across the country. Regattas usually consist of 8 to 10 races, including different combinations of men and women rowers.

Rowing a currach is a different experience than rowing a shell or any other row boat. A currach seat is stationary. Rowers start the pull leaning forward and 'snap' their upper bodies back, keeping their arms straight until the last possible moment. The form is very similar to doing a 'dead lift' in the gym. Rowers sit up, push the oars forward and begin the process over again. The oars do not dig deep into the water, instead they skim just below the surface. This way, an oar won't get 'caught' in the water when a wave hits, thus disrupting the rhythm of the rowers.

Our local team, the Albany Irish Rowing Club, is currently organizing for the upcoming season. Contact club President Dick Adair at (518) 489-1318 or the CDCCA at (518) 273-5149/e-mail: info@cdcca.org for further information.