Irish lightweight four take gold

Rowing : Ireland's lightweight four confirmed their world class status with a hugely impressive performance in the final of …

Rowing: Ireland's lightweight four confirmed their world class status with a hugely impressive performance in the final of Rowing World Cup this morning, comfortably holding off the challenge of Australia to take the gold medal.

Gearoid Towey, Eugene Coakley, Richard Archibald  and Paul Griffin hit the front after 500 metres and were able to press home their advantage over the remainder of the race, coming home almost two seconds ahead of the Australians in a time of five minutes, 55.23 seconds. Egypt finished third.

Earlier, women's double sculls pair of Sinéad Jennings and Niamh NiCheilleachair claimed bronze in their final.

The Irish heavyweight men's four of Cormac Folan, Sean Jacob, Con Collis and Alan Martin finished 5th in their final which was won by the high profileBritish crew.