Irish Examiner view: Ireland's oarsmen strike Gold in Tokyo

Paul O’Donovan and Fintan McCarthy became the first Irish oarsmen to win Olympic gold medals, just the tenth occasion the Irish flag was raised highest at the Games

Gold medalists Paul O'Donovan and Fintan Mccarthy pose with their medals after the Lightweight Men's Double Sculls Final A. Picture:  Naomi Baker/Getty Images

It’s a moment for the superlatives to flow. It’s a moment to allow joy and pride to be amplified by the unusual authenticity of those superlatives. 

Some countries may regard Olympic gold medals as some counties regard All-Ireland medals — not altogether exceptional — but Ireland is not in that category and we never will be.