O'Brien and McGowan secure qualification for Paris 2024

QUALIFICATION SECURED: Katie O'Brien and Steven McGowan won their PR2 mixed double heat and secured qualification for the Paris 2024 Paralympics. Pic: Rowing Ireland

Ireland's first boat has secured its spot for Paris 2024 after a stellar performance from Katie O'Brien and Steven McGowan in the PR2 mixed double.

It has been 11 years since Ireland had a crew compete in the Paralympics, the PR3 mixed coaxed four in London 2012 the last to compete. However, Galway RC rowers O'Brien and McGowan have ensured Ireland will be represented next year. O'Brien was unable to find a doubles partner for the Tokyo Olympics but has finally made her dreams a reality at this World Championships. McGowan only picked up the sport two years ago and has made incredible progress to be competing at the level he is now.