Ireland names team as O’Donovan misses World Championships as Rowing Ireland confirm the decorated Olympian will not travel to Shanghai due to ongoing work commitments at the Mater Hospital in Dublin. The 31-year-old, who has collected two Olympic gold medals, one silver and seven World Championship titles, recently qualified as a doctor and is now balancing his medical career with rowing. His heavyweight double partner Daire Lynch, also a medical student, will likewise miss the championships, leaving the team to rely on fresh combinations and emerging athletes.
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O’Donovan and Lynch Sit Out Due to Medical Commitments
Rowing Ireland’s lead coach Dominic Casey explained that both athletes are currently focused on their medical careers and will take a short break from international competition. Casey expressed confidence that both rowers will return but confirmed their absence from the upcoming championship in China.
Focus Shifts to Development and New Talent
With the World Championships running from 21 to 28 September, the Irish squad reflects a deliberate emphasis on developing new talent ahead of the next Olympic and Paralympic cycle. Young rowers will be tested in new partnerships, giving several athletes an opportunity to prove themselves at the highest level. Casey noted that balancing education, careers and rowing has been a challenge for many athletes this year, but remains optimistic about the strength of the squad.
Murtagh Takes on the Women’s Single Scull
European silver medallist Fiona Murtagh steps into the women’s single scull, a relatively new event for her. She described the transition as a challenging but rewarding journey, highlighting the mental and physical demands of competing in a single boat. With the guidance of Dominic Casey, she believes she has grown significantly over the past year.
New Pairings Bring Excitement and Experience
In the men’s double scull, Olympic champion Fintan McCarthy will team up with fellow Olympic medallist Philip Doyle. Doyle, who recently returned after focusing on his professional career, said he is excited to learn from McCarthy and push for success in Shanghai. The women’s four sees the return of Olympians Natalie Long and Imogen Magner, joined by Emma Waters and Aisling Hayes, offering a strong mix of experience and fresh energy.
Strong Line-up Across Remaining Boats
Nathan Timoney and Ross Corrigan reunite in the men’s pair, while the men’s quadruple scull will include reigning Olympian Ronan Byrne alongside Adam Murphy, Andrew Sheehan and Brian Colsh. Siobhan McCrohan, last year’s World Champion in the lightweight single, continues her campaign. In the women’s double, Zoe Hyde and Margaret Cremen return following appearances in European and World Cup events. Emily Hegarty also partners with Aoife Casey in the women’s pair, while Jake McCarthy enters the lightweight men’s single scull event.
Paralympic Duo Set for PR2 Mixed Double Scull
In the PR2 mixed double scull, Paralympic gold medallist Tiarnan O’Donnell teams up with emerging talent Sadhbh Ní Laoghaire, aiming to build on their recent medal-winning form at the Lucerne International Regatta. With a blend of experienced Olympians and rising stars, Ireland enters the championships ready to compete at a high level while laying the foundations for future success.
