Team Ireland optimistic ahead of World Rowing Championships

The Ireland rowing team left Dublin Airport on Monday enthusiastic about their upcoming campaign at the World Rowing Championships in Florida.

Aifric Keogh, who partners Aileen Crowley in the Ireland women's pair, said the recent training camp in Spain had been "very positive." This crew, and the men's pair of Patrick Boomer and Fionnán McQuillan-Tolan, hope to place in the top 12 at the Championships, which run from Sunday, September 24th, to October 1st at Sarasota-Bradenton.

Paul O’Donovan said he expected the opposition to be tough in the lightweight single. He will compete in this boat because his brother, Gary, has been ill and could not train enough to be ready to compete in the lightweight double.

Gary O’Donovan also travelled out, and will be a reserve. Hewill continue to be active in Florida: “I hope I can get a boat there.”

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The Ireland lightweight pair of Mark O’Donovan and Shane O’Driscoll, who already have four gold medals from from four international events this season, accompanied Gary O’Donovan. They, along with Paul O’Donovan, will be Ireland’s best hopes of medals.