Second Day Recap: Sunday, July 28th
An impressive representation from the Emerald Isle on day two of the Olympics, just as on the first day. High profile names such as Paul O’Donovan, Fintan McCarthy and Mona McSharry made their initial Olympic appearances. The former two in rowing and McSharry demonstrating her talents in the pool.
The day kicked off from 9.40am, with five Irish squads in various events. The much anticipated O’Donovan and McCarthy, hot favourites for the gold, launched into their lightweight double sculls at around 11.20am.
Indeed, the ability to multitask – or to utilise multiple screens – will have been a valuable asset. Just as Aidan Walsh was stepping into the boxing ring at about 10.30am, McSharry was getting ready to compete in the 100m breaststroke.
Key happenings from Day 1 included strong performances from the men’s double sculls and Rhys McClenaghan. McClenaghan also achieved top spot in the pommel horse preliminaries with a score of 15.200.
After a brief respite, attention turned to the women’s rugby sevens who began their Olympic journey, first facing the UK and then South Africa later in the day. This team is no stranger to aspirations of glory, and it will be interesting to see how they fare on such a pivotal day.
Meanwhile, kickstarting the Olympic regatta, Robert Dickson and Seán Waddilove competed in the first round of fleet races in the men’s skiff from 12.15pm, setting the stage for an exciting day of sailing.
Later in the day, boxing enthusiasts had more bouts to look forward to as both Grainne Walsh (66kg category) and Jack Marley (92kg category) began their journeys.
Also noteworthy: The American men’s basketball team, the previous four-time gold winners, are aiming for a five-time gold victory. Their team boasts colossal talents such as LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant, who will face a formidable Serbian side featuring NBA player of the year, Nikola Jokic.
Take a peek at what’s happening on Sunday, 28th July, the second day of the event.
For rowing, Fiona Murtagh and Aifric Keogh will present in the Women’s coxless pair at 9.40am. Following are Ross Corrigan and Nathan Timoney in the Men’s coxless pair at 10am. 10.30am sees Margaret Cremen and Aoife Casey competing in Women’s lightweight double sculls, after which Paul O’Donovan and Fintan McCarthy will take part in the Men’s lightweight double sculls at 11.20am. Lastly, we have the Women’s coxless four with Emily Hegarty, Natalie Long, Eimear Lambe, and Imogen Magner at 11.40am.
In equestrian sports, Austin O’Connor, Sarah Ennis, and Susie Berry will participate in the three-day eventing, cross-country from 10.42am onwards.
Over at the boxing ring, Aidan Walsh will battle Makan Traore in the 71kg, round of 32 at 10.32am. Later, Grainne Walsh will face off against Anna Luca Mamori in the 66Kg, round of 32 category at 4.22pm. And Jack Marley will take on Mateusz Bereznicki in the 92kg, round of 16 at 7.16pm.
Allow Robert Dickson and Seán Waddilove to carry you with the winds as they vie for the top spot in the Men’s skiff sailing races 1-3 from 12.15pm.
Catch the wave with Mona McSharry in the Women’s 100m breaststroke at 10.39am. Stay tuned for the swimming semi-finals at 8.10pm.
And finally, enjoy some tackles and tries with Women’s Rugby Sevens: Ireland playing against GB at 2.30pm, followed by a game against South Africa at 6pm.