#Rowing: Paul O’Donovan and Gary O’Donovan won their heat of the lightweight double sculls to qualify confidently for the A/B semi-finals at the European Championships in Strathclyde. France, with Pierre Houin in the stroke seat and Thomas Baroukh in the bow, gave Ireland a good race. It was clear by the 1500 metre mark that these two crews were set for the semi-finals, but France would not let Ireland gain a clearwater lead. At 1750 metres the O’Donovans moved from two-thirds of a length to one length, but France stayed nipping at the lead to the line.
European Rowing Championships, Strathclyde, Scotland (Day One, Irish interest)
Men
Pair – Heat Three (First Two to A/B Semi-Finals, rest to Repechage): 1 Belarus 6:37.38, 2 Britain 6:37.76; 4 Ireland (M O’Donovan, S O’Driscoll) 6:48.94.
Lightweight Double Sculls – Heat Three (First Two to A/B Semi-Finals; rest to Repechage): 1 Ireland (G O’Donovan, P O’Donovan) 6:27.99, 2 France 6:29.83.
Women
Lightweight Double Sculls – Heat One (Winner to A Final; rest to Repechage): 1 Poland 7:08.54; 4 Ireland (A Casey, D Walsh) 7:22.02.
