Olympic rowing heroes Paul and Gary O’Donovan had to draw on all their strength and stamina yesterday as they were mobbed during a civic reception in Cork — their third official function since their arrival back in Ireland on Sunday.

Olympic rowing heroes Gary and Paul O’Donovan went back to where it all began yesterday, telling a press conference at Skibbereen Rowing Club that they left their medals on the kitchen table on getting home and how the welcome they have received has taken them by surprise.