Ireland have secured their first medal at the 2016 Olympics in Rio!
Paul and Gary O'Donovan, the brothers from Cork, have earned silver in the Lightweight Double Sculls, finishing just .53 of a second off winners France.
"Mick Conlan said he'd box the head off us if we didn't get the gold" #rterio2016 https://t.co/LGELc2W2PP
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) August 12, 2016
President Michael D Higgins has sent his congratulations:
“On behalf of the people of Ireland, I want to congratulate Paul and Gary O’Donovan on a silver medal today - Ireland’s first ever Olympic rowing medal.
They have captured the nation’s imagination and their skill, determination and positive outlook make them outstanding ambassadors for their sport, and for their community long into the future.
Their success today will encourage young men and women all around the island to participate in sport and realise that success at the highest level is possible in virtually every sport.”
But It wasn't to be for the women's Lightweight Double Sculls pair of Sinead Lynch and Claire Lambe in their final
They had to settle for a sixth place finish in their final, the Netherlands taking gold, followed by Canada and China.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny also paid tribute to the brothers:
"I want to congratulate Paul and Gary O’Donovan on winning Ireland's first medal at the 2016 Olympics in Rio.
It is a wonderful achievement for them personally, their home club and Irish rowing.
The entire Country has enjoyed watching Paul and Gary both on and off the water. Their exceptional athleticism and good humour has been uplifting. I want to thank them for all the sacrifice and effort they have made to achieve success for Ireland on the world stage."
The Sports Ministers also sent their congratulations:
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross TD, and Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan TD, congratulated the O'Donovan brothers on winning Ireland’s first ever Olympic silver medal in rowing in today’s men's lightweight double sculls at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
Speaking after the final Minster Ross said: “Paul and Gary rowed a magnificent race and I am delighted they got their rewards with a silver medal. The brothers have been outstanding all week, it is a wonderful achievement for the young pair to be bringing home an Olympic medal from the Rio Games. After a tough start, this is real shot in the arm for Team Ireland and while this is the first rowing medal and our first medal of these games, hopefully there is more to come.”
Minister O’Donovan said: “I am delighted for the O'Donovan brothers, they rowed an outstanding race against the best in the world, and we – along with supporters across Ireland are very proud of their performance in their first Olympic Games. Their family and friends, and Skibbereen Rowing Club must be immensely proud to see them winning Ireland’s first Olympic rowing medal and the first for Ireland at these games. This really is a magnificent achievement and I am sure there is more to come. It is a great day for the Ireland’s rowing Community, for West Cork and for Ireland.”
