Irish sailors keen to make a splash

Those who said it could never last were right. Having nothing at all in common, particularly when it comes to religion, does not a fruitful partnership make and the Tom Cruise-Katie Holmes liaison was doomed from the off.

There were many who doubted the future for Ryan Seaton and Matt McGovern too. But while products of completely different Northern Irish backgrounds, they are bound by a mutual appetite to push the boundaries of human endurance and attain Olympic glory.

That tie has brought them to Weymouth, and it has brought them there with a chance of medalling in the 49er campaign.