Paul O’Donovan and Fintan McCarthy, accomplished rowers and Olympic gold medallists, were celebrated with welcoming festivities in their hometown of Co Cork, on the Skibbereen riverbanks, after their triumphant Olympic performance on the waters of Paris. This delayed appreciation was due to their participation in the global rowing championships in Canada.
O’Donovan, who also happens to be a doctor, managed to score his third triumph in the world single sculls on August 24th, arriving two seconds before his closest competitor. A three-time Olympic medallist, O’Donovan often credits his victories to a blend of hard work, dedication, and a little luck.
He remained humble throughout the Sunday celebration in Skibbereen, ascribing his achievements to perseverance, dedication, and finding pleasure in his sport. He expressed his gratitude to the Skibbereen community for their unfaltering support and encouraged the youth to aim big and believe in the realm of possibilities.
Fintan McCarthy, with equal humility, expressed concern that the elapsed time since their Olympic victory might result in a smaller turnout. However, he was overjoyed at being able to relish the victory with his friends, family, and local community. He was touched by the evident joy and happiness expressed by local people at their homecoming and successful endeavours.
“We’ve been socialising with familiar faces, reminiscing, and sharing our joys with our loved ones. They’ve had to take a supporting role in our lives these past years, so it’s a pleasure to involve them in our victory, as they stick by us not only in triumphs but through challenges and defeats.
The Los Angeles Olympics is next on the horizon. Given our solid performance over the years, we anticipate sustaining our winning streak.”
Aoife Casey and Emily Hegarty from the Skibbereen Rowing Club, fellow Olympians who secured fifth and seventh standings respectively in the Paris competition this summer, took part in the parade. They are expected to be strong contenders for medals in the forthcoming Olympics in four years. Jake, Fintan’s sibling who served as a lightweight double sculls reserve, was amongst the parade participants.
For Casey, the celebratory homecoming was a family event, with her father and rowing trainer Dominic making an appearance. Dominic’s contribution to the exceptional performance of Irish lightweight rowing since 2016 is widely acknowledged.
The celebratory procession on an open-top bus travelled down North Street, onto Main Street, and then towards the Fairfield, where an alfresco stage showcased live music and speeches.
Moreover, Tánaiste Micheál Martin was in attendance, praising the unique achievement of the athletes and celebrating Skibbereen as a town best known for producing the greatest number of successful Olympians in Irish Olympic history.
Seanie O’Brien, representing the Skibbereen Rowing Club, affirmed that the occasion was significant not only for the rowers, but also for all the sports communities in the city, describing it as a collective festivity.