Watch as Cork's Olympic heroes reflect on life after Olympic glory and fame
“Never in the 24-year history of Cork’s premier awards scheme – ‘Cork Person of the Year’ – have we had more nominations for our regular ‘Cork Person of the Month’ award, than we had for the O'Donovan brothers. That’s really saying something, when you consider past winners have included sporting icons such as Roy Keane and Jimmy Barry Murphy,” according to Awards Organiser, Manus O’Callaghan.
The brothers are now back in training and earlier this month won the doubles final at the Irish Open Regatta held at the National Rowing Centre, Inniscarra. Paul also pipped his brother to win the A final of the single sculls, on the first weekend of the Irish rowing season.
The ‘Cork Persons of the Month’ presentations were recently made to Gary and Paul O’Donovan at Skibbereen Rowing Club, Co. Cork. As ‘Cork Persons of the Month’, the brothers’ names will now go forward for possible selection as ‘Cork Persons of the Year’ at the Gala Awards Lunch on January 20th next, before an invited audience from Cork City and County, representing all sections of Cork society. See the new video interview with the boys on the Cork Person of the Year Facebook.
The O'Donovan Brothers’ achievements and endearing personalities made a huge international impact during the Olympics and they received a hero’s welcome on their return home to Cork. President Michael D. Higgins summed up the feelings of the entire country when he said that the O’Donovan brothers had captured the nation’s imagination.
"On behalf of the people of Ireland, I want to congratulate Paul and Gary O'Donovan on their silver medal - Ireland's first ever Olympic rowing medal. They have captured the nation's imagination and their skill, determination and positive outlook make them outstanding ambassadors for their sport, and for their community long into the future. Their success will encourage young men and women all around Ireland to participate in sport”, said President Higgins.
"Like Gary and Paul O'Donovan, we too would like to acknowledge the great work done by Rowing Ireland and Skibbereen Rowing Club and their many mentors and coaches including Dominic Casey and Morten Espersen", concluded the Awards Organiser, Manus O'Callaghan.
Gary and Paul O'Donovan were recently presented with Cork Persons of the Month awards to mark their Olympic and World rowing successes. Their names now go forward for possible selection as Cork Persons of the Year at a Gala Awards Lunch on Jan 20th next.
