Fine Win for O'Donovans as Ireland Rowers Have Good Day at Olympics

8th August 2016

The Ireland men's lightweight double sculls

#Rowing: Ireland's Paul and Gary O'Donovan won their heat to qualify for the semi-finals of the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Italy had been seeded in fourth, one place ahead of the O'Donovans in the lightweight double sculls, and the Italians led until the final quarter. However, this was a race on the lines that the O'Donovans have made their own. They were a length down after 500 metres, but were disputing second with Germany by halfway. By 1500 metres the Irish had left Germany in fourth and, with Denmark pushing into third, Ireland dispurted the lead with Italy. Ireland then pushed on to win.

Olympic Games Regatta, Rio de Janeiro (Irish interest; selected results)

Men

Lightweight Double Sculls - Heat One (First Two to A/B Semi-Finals; rest to repechages): 1 Ireland (P O'Donovan, G O'Donovan) 6:23.72, 2 Italy 6:24.10; 3 Denmark 6:33.67, 4 Germany 6:40.48, 5 Turkey 6:41.67.

Women

Lightweight Double Sculls - Heats (First Two to A/B Semi-Finals; rest to repechages): Heat One: 1 China 7:00.13, 2 Denmark 7:01.84. Heat Two: 1 Netherlands 6:57.28, 2 New Zealand 7:02.01.

Heat Three: 1 South Africa 7:07.37, 2 Ireland (C Lambe, S Lynch) 7:10.91; 3 Brazil 7:20.79, 4 Cuba 7:26.43, 5 Tunisia 7:43.33.

Heat Four: 1 Canada 7:03.51, 2 Poland 7:05.02

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About The Author

Liam Gorman

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Liam Gorman is a writer and reporter. He is the co-author of Little Lady, One Man, Big Ocean, published in the United States and Canada as Crossing the Swell. He is the rowing correspondent of the Irish Times.

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