Mark O'Donovan: 'Paul O'Donovan is the greatest Irish athlete of all time'

Paul O'Donovan of Team Ireland acknowledges supporters after winning the men's lightweight double sculls finals A at Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium during the 2024 Paris Summer Olympic Games in Paris, France. Picture: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

World champion rower Mark O’Donovan has hailed Paul O'Donovan as the greatest Irish athlete of all time, with Fintan McCarthy hot on his heels.

Paul created history for Ireland by becoming the first person to medal at three separate Games, while no one from these shores had defended an Olympic title since 1932.