Team Ireland’s Paul O’Donovan and Fintan McCarthy, both of Skibbereen Rowing Club, have made history by winning gold in the Men’s Lightweight Double Sculls (LW2x) final with a time of 6:10.99.
Their sensational performance in Paris has elevated them to legendary status in Irish rowing.
Paul O’Donovan’s victory marks a historic achievement. He becomes the first Irish athlete to medal at three different Olympic Games. His accomplishments in Rio, Tokyo, and now Paris set a new benchmark in Irish sporting history.
Fintan McCarthy joins the exclusive club of Irish Olympians who have medaled at two separate Games.
Coached by Dominic Casey of Skibbereen Rowing Club, O’Donovan and McCarthy have become the first back-to-back Olympic champions in Irish rowing history. Their journey and dedication have set a new standard for Irish rowing excellence.
After the race, O’Donovan expressed gratitude for the incredible support from the Irish fans.
“We had brilliant support. The grandstands were green, and there were tricolours everywhere. That was really great to see, all over Skibbereen and all over Ireland. Even the French volunteers in the boat park and from a load of other countries as well that had crews in this event were really cheering us on this morning and all week, so we really appreciated the support. It’s fantastic.”
McCarthy echoed his teammate’s sentiments.
“Support is amazing; it feels like there’s more in the Irish stands than any other. Just coming in after that race and seeing all the familiar faces! So amazing and great to finally give back a bit for all the years of support they’ve given us. I didn’t feel very nervous today at all. I was kinda worried that I should be (nervous), but we really had a great regatta so far, so that really calmed the nerves, and we just tried to get the job done.”
Away from the lads, it was a day of disappointment for others who had begun the day with high hopes.
The Irish Sailors Robert Dickson and Sean Wadilove started the Medal Race for the Skiff in Silver medal Position, but a false start forced them to circle around and left them needing others to make mistakes. They ended the race in fourth place, a heartbreaking position at the end of a long Olympic Cycle, but the same spot as Annalise Murphy had in London before returning for a Silver medal four years later.
The Team show jumping also went down to the wire, with both Shane Seetnam and Cian O’Connor having one fence down in their round. If both had gone clear it would have been Silver, but even one fewer pole dropped would have left them just outside the medals. The team ended in 7th but will be back as individuals in Versailles on Monday to have another crack.
With thanks to the Team Ireland Media group providing a great service from Paris
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