As the Olympic Games continue in Paris, the Irish rowing team has showcased impressive performances on the water. Day 2 was very successful, with the Lightweight Women’s Double Sculls in the Repêchage tomorrow and the Women’s Four on Wednesday, while the remaining five boats go straight through to the semi-finals later in the week.
Women’s Pair (Fiona Murtagh & Aifric Keogh)
Fiona Murtagh and Aifric Keogh demonstrated their strength and synergy, finishing 2nd in their heat. Their performance secured them a place in the Semi Final on Wednesday, starting at 9:54 am IST.
Men’s Pair (Ross Corrigan & Nathan Timoney)
In a nail-biting photo finish, Ross Corrigan and Nathan Timoney clinched 3rd place in their heat, ensuring their progression to the Semi Final on Wednesday, beginning at 9:34 am IST.
Lightweight Women’s Double Sculls (Mags Cremen & Aoife Casey)
Mags Cremen and Aoife Casey fought hard to secure 3rd place in their heat. They will compete in the Repêchage tomorrow, Monday, at 10:00 am IST, aiming for a spot in the Semi Final.
Lightweight Men’s Double Sculls (Fintan McCarthy & Paul O’Donovan)
Fintan McCarthy and Paul O’Donovan were dominant in their heat, finishing as clear winners and comfortably securing their place in the Semi-Final on Wednesday, starting at 10:14 am IST.
Women’s Four (Emily Hegarty, Eimear Lambe, Natalie Long, Imogen Magner)
The Women’s Four team of Emily Hegarty, Eimear Lambe, Natalie Long, and Imogen Magner put in a solid performance, securing 3rd place in their heat. They will compete in the Repêchage on Tuesday at 10:30 am IST, seeking to advance further in the competition.
Garth Young, Rowing Ireland High Performance Chairperson
“The absolute belief, drive, dedication, and commitment of our athletes and coaches are truly inspiring. It is this unwavering determination that fuels their pursuit of excellence on the world stage. The athletes have shown incredible resilience and strength, not just in their physical training but also in their mental preparation and focus.
“The journey to the Olympics is a challenging one, filled with early mornings, long hours of intense focus, time away from home, missing family and friends and making tough choices. Yet, our rowers rise to the occasion every day, driven by their passion for the sport and their desire to make their country proud. This commitment extends beyond the athletes and coaches to include the invaluable support system surrounding them.
“Parents, partners, clubs, and sponsors play a crucial role in this journey. They provide the foundation upon which our athletes build their dreams. The encouragement and support from loved ones, the technical and emotional backing from clubs, and the financial and moral support from sponsors and Sport Ireland are indispensable. These contributions create an environment where our athletes can thrive and push their limits.
“We are confident in our team’s potential to perform to their very best at these Games, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who has supported us along the way”.
As Day 3 approaches, the Irish rowing team remains focused and determined, ready to continue their quest for Olympic success. Stay tuned for more updates and exciting races ahead.