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INTERVIEW:Some 17 million people worldwide will watch today’s boat race in London between Cambridge and Oxford – and one Irishman will be pulling his weight and more for the Oxford ‘Blue’ boat team. Martin Walsh talks to MARK HENNESSY, London Editor

PASSING FULHAM Football Club early on a Sunday morning, the Oxford boat crew, including 24-year-old Dubliner Martin Walsh, are skimming on the low Thames water, rhythmically moving together as one. Within seconds, the eight-strong crew and cox face into a strong headwind, with small whitecaps appearing on the surface, while the effects of the morning tide create sharp currents. “The spoon of the oar came out a little quickly there,” says full-time coach Sean Bowden from an accompanying motor-driven scout boat, though to all but the most expert observer the movements appeared perfectly in harmony.