Tokyo 2020 Olympics Gold Medallist and FBD Insurance Ambassador Paul O’Donovan, celebrating his Gold Medal win at his rowing club, Skibbereen Rowing Club. ©INPHO/Ryan ByrnePaul O'Donovan and Fintan McCarthy have qualified for the Olympic Games.
The Skibbereen duo won their semi final in style at the World Rowing Championships, finishing with clear water ahead of Cezchia and Norway in a time of 6 minutes 41 seconds.
The reigning World and Olympic champions will now progress to the A final in Belgrade.
O'Donovan told WorldRowing.com: "it’s nice for sure, to book the ticket now at this stage makes next year a bit easier and we can just focus on peaking at the right time.
"Luckily for some of the guys that didn’t qualify today they’ve another chance as well, that’ll make the B-finals more exciting."
🚨 The Irish men's lightweight double has qualified for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris! Reigning Olympic champions Paul O'Donovan and Fintan McCarthy were dominant in their A/B semi-final at the Worlds in Belgrade. Winning by clear water. pic.twitter.com/tVBKRiGIi4
— Kieran McCarthy (@KieranMcC_SS) September 7, 2023
Two other Irish crews have also booked their places in Paris next year.
The Women's Pair of Aifric Keogh and Fiona Murtagh finished second in their semi-final to progress to Saturday's final.
And the Men's Pair of Ross Corrigan and Nathan Timoney also progressed thanks to a second place finish.
