Michael D Higgins leads tributes to O’Donovan brothers

President Michael D Higgins has led tributes to the O’Donovan brothers after they won Ireland’s first Olympic medal in rowing.

President Higgins said Paul and Gary O’Donovan, who won silver in the men’s lightweight double sculls, had “captured the nation’s imagination”.

The President said: “Their skill, determination and positive outlook make them outstanding ambassadors for their sport, and for their community long into the future.

“Their success today will encourage young men and women all around the island to participate in sport and realise that success at the highest level is possible in virtually every sport.”

Taoiseach Enda Kenny praised the brothers for their “athleticism and good humour”, which had given a lift to the whole country.

“It is a wonderful achievement for them personally, their home club and Irish rowing,” he said.

“The entire country has enjoyed watching Paul and Gary both on and off the water. I want to thank them for all the sacrifice and effort they have made to achieve success for Ireland on the world stage.”

Minister for Sport Shane Ross, who is in Rio de Janeiro for the Games, said the brothers’ win was a “real shot in the arm for Team Ireland”, following the controversies and disappointments of the last week.

“The brothers have been outstanding all week, it is a wonderful achievement for the young pair to be bringing home an Olympic medal from the Rio Games,” he said.

“This is the first rowing medal and our first medal of these games. Hopefully there is more to come.”

‘Magnificent achievement’

Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan described it as a “magnificent achievement and I am sure there is more to come. It is a great day for Ireland’s rowing community, for west Cork and for Ireland”.

Seanad Cathaoirleach Denis O’Donovan , who is a friend of the brothers’ late grandfather Paddy O’Donovan, said: “Their father Teddy and the entire family have supported the two boys in all their training. They can be rightly proud of what they have achieved.”

“ I have no doubt their late grandfather and my good friend Paddy will be smiling down on them too.

“The O’Donovan family, Skibbereen and Ireland are beaming with pride today.”

Cork Institute of Technology, where Gary is a fourth-year student of business, also offered its congratulations to the two brothers.

Staff and students took time out of their work and study schedules on Friday afternoon to cheer the brothers on in the rowing final.

The head of student affairs, Dr Dan Collins, said the medal is a “culmination of Gary and Paul’s work, perseverance, dedication and commitment to the sport”.