Published on 

Ministers congratulate O'Donovan brothers

Tourism and Sport Minister Shane Ross and Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan 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.