Fintan McCarthy and Paul O’Donovan write themselves into Irish Olympic history
Sign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Paul O’Donovan and Fintan McCarthy basked in rowing glory after becoming the first Irish athletes to successfully defend an Olympic title since 1932. Hammer thrower Pat O’Callaghan was the last Irish competitor to accomplish the feat, winning gold at Amsterdam in 1928 and at Los Angeles four years later. O’Donovan and McCarthy wrote their names into Irish Olympic history by retaining their men’s lightweight double sculls title at Paris 2024, winning comprehensively in six minutes 10.99 seconds to relegate Italy and Greece to the minor medals. “We’re very happy to be able to win twice but, believe me, a lot more Irish athletes will do it in the future,” said O’Donovan, 30, from Lisheen.
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