'A big upset' - O'Donovan and McCarthy power through as four Irish boats reach Olympic finals

Earlier in the morning, Ross Corrigan and Nathan Timoney got the Irish off to a flying start, powering into the A final of the men’s pair.

FINALISTS: Fintan McCarthy, left, and Paul O'Donovan Celebrate after their men’s lightweight double sculls semi-final. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

It took just over six minutes for Paul O’Donovan and Fintan McCarthy to utterly dispel any potential doubts about their form at the Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium in Paris this morning, the Olympic champions powering into the A final of the lightweight double sculls with a dominant display to win their semi-final in 6:21.88.

So, underdogs no more?