Ireland wins medal in Rowing World Cup

Ireland has won its first medal, bronze, at the Rowing World Cup this year thanks to a superb performance from the ever improving Orlagh Duddy in the non-Olympic lightweight single scull.

In the highly competitive final of the Olympic class men’s heavyweight four, the Irish crew of Alan Martin, Sean Casey, Cormac Folan and Sean O’Neill rowed well to place a pleasing fifth.

The other Olympic class Irish boat in action, the women’s lightweight double of Sinéad Jennings and Niamh NiCheilleachair, raced strongly to win their B final this morning and with it finish 7th overall.

The twenty-seven year old Derry woman, Duddy, who only made her debut on the senior international stage three weeks ago was absolutely thrilled to medal here.

Duddy said: "It’s certainly a special feeling to reach the podium at the World Cup; I nearly can't believe it! It’s been a brilliant last few months for me; coming into the national set-up, getting to be a part of that and all it offers and it’s great to see the hard work is starting to pay off with this today."