Eight Irish crews set to compete at World Rowing Championships

Ireland will send a big team to the World Rowing Championships this year. Eight crews will compete in Aiguebelette in France from August 30th to September 6th, four in boats that can book places for the Olympic Games next year.

The women's double of Lisa Dilleen and Helen Hannigan, the lightweight double of Sinéad Jennings and Claire Lambe and the men's lightweight double of Paul and Gary O'Donovan will all secure places in Rio for their boats if they finish in the top 11, while single sculler Sanita Puspure must finish in the top nine to do this.

Three non-Olympic crews will also compete: the new women’s four of Monika Dukarska, Leonora Kennedy, Aifric Keogh and Barbara O’Brien; the lightweight men’s pair of Shane O’Driscoll and Mark O’Donovan; and lightweight single sculler Denise Walsh. There will be one pararower: Karol Doherty, who will compete in the arms and shoulders single sculls.

Puspure, who finished fourth at the World Championships last year, will be Ireland’s main hope of a medal in Aiguebelette, though the two women’s doubles will both be aiming for places in the A Final (top six). Boats can also secure Rio places at Lucerne in May.