On a wonderful day in Sarasota in Florida for Skibbereen and Irish rowing, two boats secured gold medals, with the lightweight pair of Mark O’Donovan and Shane O’Driscoll capping a glorious season with their first world gold, before Paul O’Donovan defended the lightweight single sculls title he claimed in Rotterdam last year.

Two more outstanding performances yesterday means Ireland will have three boats competing in A finals today at the World Rowing Championships in Sarasota.

Teams from 69 nations have started to make Sarasota-Bradenton in Florida a home from home ahead of the World Rowing Championships this weekend.