The Irish domestic rowing calendar gets underway this weekend with the Cork Head of the River. It’s the first of eight “heads” to be held around the country between now and April 1, when events change to full regattas. The main difference here being that HORs are simply timed events where boats are let off one at a time over longer distances, while a regatta comprises of side by side racing and considerably weightier glory for title-holders.

The stand and temporary seating were packed and the star attractions didn’t disappoint as Skibbereen’s O’Donovan brothers lit up the 2017 Indoor Rowing Championships at the University of Limerick on Saturday.

Day Seven of the Olympic Games produced even more history from an Irish point of view, with the medals table reached finally at the end of the opening week.

In the weeks and months leading up to their historic win yesterday, Paul and Gary O’Donovan would sit on a couch on either side of their grandmother Mary Doab, their laptops in front of them, showing her footage of their training from earlier that day.

They rowed every length, they heaved, they hunched over on their seats, and gritted their teeth...they even unleashed the famous Munster roar.

It had a sheen of Rio, the carnival atmosphere that descended on the town of Skibbereen when its two Olympians, Paul and Gary O’Donovan, yesterday claimed a place in the men’s lightweight double sculls Olympic final.

Here's a full recap on how Team Ireland got on yesterday in Rio.

Here’s a briefing on some of the stories and issues highlighted on irishexaminer.com today

It was the final playlist of the man know affectionately to his friends as The Dude.

The habit of giving nicknames has been around a long time and can say a lot about the recipient — or not. Dave Kenny does some research

Michael Fassbender is a big admirer of Brad Pitt, while Benedict Cumberbatch is infatuated with Matt Damon. Dave Kenny checks out the latest male celebrity craze.