World champions Paul O’Donovan and Fintan McCarthy fastest in qualifying in Euros

The pair reached the European Championship semi-final as four Irish boats reached finals on day one

Paul O’Donovan, right, and Fintan McCarthy of Ireland competing in the Lightweight Men’s Double Sculls heat event during day one of the 2021 European Rowing Championships in Varese, Italy. Picture: Roberto Bregani/Sportsfile

World champions Paul O’Donovan and Fintan McCarthy had the quickest time across all the heats as they qualified for the A/B semi-finals of the European Rowing Championships in Italy.

In all, four Irish crews qualified for 'A' finals on day one in Varese while O'Donovan and McCarthy were one of three Irish boats to reach an A/B semi-final.