Rowers from clubs across Ireland competed over the 6,000-metre course, which runs from Killyhevlin along the River Erne to Northridge Boat House.

ERBC’s junior girls enjoyed an outstanding showing, claiming four category wins.

The Women’s Junior coxless four of Claire Walsh, Isabella Wright, Tori Davis and Emily Black finished as the fourth-fastest crew overall.

There were further victories for the Women’s Junior 18B coxless quad of Abbie McCarthy Magwood, Darcy Balfour, Amy Williamson and Brooke Davis, and the Women’s Junior 14 coxed quad of Maya Kettyle, Holly McCabe, Sophie Madill, Heidi Bogle and cox Hollie Sharpe.

A mix of ages took part in the race, but it was the timings that really mattered (Image: Shona Morrison)

The Women’s Junior 16 coxed quad of Maeve Rolston McAuliffe, Clodagh Donaghy, Kaitlyn Read, Cat Starrett and cox Leah Topping also claimed victory, winning the new Allen Cup, presented by David Allen in memory of his late wife Margaret.

ERBC’s boys added two more category wins. The Men’s Junior 16 coxed four of Evan Clarke, Oliver Jennings, Caelan Moore, Joel Crean and cox Ollie Powell took first place, as did the Men’s Junior 15 coxed quad of Josh Allen, Oliver Collins, Eli Irvine, Levi Thompson and cox Freya McNeary.

Portora and Belfast Rowing Club Composite, winners of the men’s masters division (Image: Shona Morrison)

Portora Boat Club also enjoyed success, competing with two women’s crews and a composite men’s crew alongside Belfast Rowing Club.

Portora’s women’s crew, steered by Carmel Dane, finished 44th overall out of 71 entries in 24 minutes and 10 seconds, making them the second-fastest Masters crew. Its coxed quad, with Caitlin Fee at the helm, completed the course in 26 minutes and 31 seconds.

A family of swans got a bit of a fright during the annual Erne Four Heads race (Image: Shona Morrison)

The composite men’s crew won the Over-55 category in a time of 23 minutes and five seconds.

PBC chairman Simon Crawford said: “It was great to see so many people enjoying our beautiful river. I congratulate all the rowers from Portora and thank Enniskillen Royal Boat Club and its huge team of volunteers for organising such a good day.”

A QUB men’s team tries to pull it out of the bag on the final straight (Image: Shona Morrison)

ERBC thanked the many volunteers and organisations who supported the event, including the PSNI, RNLI, Fermanagh Coastguard and St John Ambulance Service, alongside parents and supporters who provided safety cover, catering and logistical assistance.

Portora’s crews will next compete in Dublin, while ERBC looks ahead to the Erne Eights Head on Saturday, March 6.

Supporters gathered on the banks of Lough Erne to cheer on their teams (Image: Shona Morrison)