Paul O'Donovan turns spotlight on the challengers as Olympic champions start in style

His delivery is straight but the words knit together into an act of comedy that is absolutely delivered with serious intent as Skibbereen’s defending gold medallists go about their task here with the unfamiliar ring of doubt aired around their chances.

LAYING DOWN THE GAUNTLET: Ireland's Paul O'Donovan and Fintan McCarthy compete in the lightweight men's double sculls rowing heat. Pic: AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi.

Paul O’Donovan’s face is a blank slate as he holds court.

Paul O’Donovan’s face is also gurning madly, like that permanently cheeky messer in secondary school who was always determined to ruin the end-of-year class photo.