#Rowing: Mark O’Donovan and Shane O’Driscoll produced a superb finishing sprint to take an excellent third in their B Final of the men’s pair at the World Cup in Lucerne this morning. The Skibbereen men stayed in touch through an interesting race. Germany One and Spain Two disputed the lead, with Spain eventually taking over and winning. Ireland, Britain Two and Croatia (who had in injury replacement in Karlo Udovicic) were in the following pack, with the Irish fifth through the body of the race. But in the decisive battle at the end O’Donovan and O’Driscoll shone. They covered the final 500 metres faster than any other crew, passing the British to take third behind Spain Two and Croatia.
The women’s double of Monika Dukarska and Aileen Crowley also took third in their B Final, ninth overall. They started really well and led to half way. Czech One were very close to them by this stage and went on to lead. Poland came through with a good finish to take second.
The women’s pair of Aifric Keogh and Tara Hanlon placed fourth in their B Final, 10th overall. They were fifth for much of the contest but moved up one place with a good finish. Spain won.
World Cup Regatta, Lucerne, Day Three (Selected Results; Irish interest)
Men
Pair – B Final: 1 Spain Two 6:40.42; 3 Ireland (M O’Donovan, S O’Driscoll) 6:43.27.
Women
Pair – B Final: 1 Spain 7:25.23; 4 Ireland (A Keogh, T Hanlon) 7:32.46.
Double – B Final: 1 Czech Republic 7:05.30; 3 Ireland (M Dukarska, A Crowley) 7:06.92.
