Ireland wins gold at Olympics
Ireland has won their first gold medal of the Tokyo Olympics overnight in the lightweight doubles sculls final.
Fintan McCarthy and Paul O'Donovan cross the line ahead of the boats from Germany and Italy.
It's the first gold medal Ireland has ever won in rowing, and came just a day after the Women's Four team won bronze yesterday.
MEDAL ALERT!!! 🥇🥇
It’s GOLD for the Lightweight Men’s Double crew after an incredible final 🇮🇪👏🏻
WHAT. A. FINISH!!!! 🔥🔥
They win gold in style in a time of 6:06.43 to secure #TeamIreland’s second medal at #Tokyo2020 🇮🇪💪🏻🇮🇪
Congratulations Fintan and Paul! pic.twitter.com/foFnAEWt5E
— Team Ireland (@TeamIreland) July 29, 2021
President Michael D. Higgins has led the tributes to the pair, describing the win as a 'tremendous achievement'.
"After the magnificent success in women’s rowing yesterday, today we celebrate Ireland’s first Olympic gold medal in rowing," he said.
"...won so deservedly by Paul O'Donovan and Fintan McCarthy in the lightweight double sculls."
President Higgins added it 'gives great inspiration to young people and aspiring athletes all over Ireland'.
Taoiseach Micheal Martin also paid tribute to the pair
An outstanding gold medal for Paul O’Donovan and Fintan McCarthy.
Breathtaking victory in the lightweight double sculls - a race that will live long in history.
A special day for Irish rowing and the Irish people. #Tokyo2020 https://t.co/hzhnFL8SCI
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) July 29, 2021
It comes 5 years after Paul won silver in the same event with his brother Gary.
