O’Donovans the joint fastest crew on second day of Ireland Trial

O’Donovan brothers to travel to New Zealand in January to train and compete

Gary O’Donovan  and Paul O’Donovan: the two set the same time for 6km as a heavyweight four created from Shandon and St Michael’s rowers
Gary O’Donovan and Paul O’Donovan: the two set the same time for 6km as a heavyweight four created from Shandon and St Michael’s rowers

The lightweight double scull of Paul and Gary O'Donovan was the joint fastest crew on the second day of the Ireland Trial at the National Rowing Centre in Cork on Sunday. The two set the same time for 6km as a heavyweight four created from Shandon and St Michael's rowers.

The O'Donovan brothers told The Irish Times that they will travel to New Zealand in January to train and compete. They will be accompanied by Shane O'Driscoll and Mark O'Donovan. They intend to travel on to Australia, and may base themselves in the Antipodes for three months in total.

The top two women's crews at the trial on Sunday were a four of Aifric Keogh, Aileen Crowley, Emily Hegarty and Tara Hanlon and a heavyweight double of Monika Dukarska and Claire Lambe.

Liam Gorman

Liam Gorman

Liam Gorman is a contributor to The Irish Times specialising in rowing