Irish rowers qualify for Olympic semi-finals

Irish rowers Sam Lynch and Gearóid Towey have won their heat of the Lightweight Double Sculls at the Athens Olympics, beating the USA into second place and the Czech Republic third.

They are now through to the semi-finals. The Irish Lightweight Coxless Four are also into the semis after they came second in their heat behind Australia.

Meanwhile, Derek Burnett lies joint ninth heading into the second day of the Trap shooting.

Swimmer Emma Robinson is out of the women's 100 metres breaststroke after she came eighth in her heat.

In sailing, Maria Coleman starts her Europe class campaing, David Burrows is 18th after two races in the Finn class, Gerald Owens and Ross Killian compete in the 470 - where they currently lie 17th - and Rory Fitzpatrick is in the Laser sailing.

Today is the busiest day of the Olympics for the Irish squad, with 18 athletes in action.