Young rower left shaken after objects thrown from river side
A teenager escaped serious injury while rowing on the river Suir recently after a group of young people threw bottles, cans, stones and other objects at her before stealing her runners.
The 16-year-old girl was left shaken after the incident and was forced to wait for her father to collect her barefoot.
The irresponsible behaviour took place directly opposite the Clonmel Rowing Club building as the youngster was in the middle of her training schedule.
The girl’s family have been rowing on the river for decades and have confirmed that the incident isn’t a first.
Speaking to The Premier, her father said he was relieved that she wasn’t seriously injured.
“Anything could have happened. If she was struck on the head, her boat could have turned over with her feet strapped inside.
“She is an elite performer and trains four times a week. Her family have been involved in the rowing club for years and it’s in her blood. She lives for it and loves rowing, but I worry for her safety.
“This isn’t the first time that such an incident has taken place. The instigators have also swum directly in her path and because she has her back to them it’s a huge worry that she may accidentally collide with them.”