Memory of near miss drove determined O’Donovan to bronze

Rower Paul O’Donovan admitted the disappointment of finishing fourth at the world juniors two years ago was the driving factor in his medal winning performance at the U23 equivalent on Sunday.

The 19-year-old moved into third position from the early stages of the final, but a late attack from New Zealand’s Adam Ling ensured an enthralling battle for bronze over the final hundred metres.

In the end, O’Donovan prevailed, though only just. The Skibbereen native crossed in 7.11.63, less than a second clear of the Kiwi.