Paul O'Donovan misses out as Ireland name squad for European Rowing Championship

“This marks the beginning of an exciting new cycle as we build towards Los Angeles 2028," said Dominic Casey, High Performance Lead Coach.

Ireland's Paul O'Donovan celebrates with his gold medal. Pic: ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy.

Paul O'Donovan will miss the upcoming 2025 European Rowing Championships in order to concentrate on his medical studies.

Ireland's journey to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles begins from May 29 to June 1 when their Senior Crews head to Plovdiv, Bulgaria for the Euro Championship.

Included in the squad named on Tuesday afternoon are Paris Olympic medallists Daire Lynch, Philip Doyle and Fintan McCarthy.

Lynch and Doyle won bronze in the men's double sculls at the 2024 Games but this time around Lynch will pair up with Ross Corrigan, while Doyle will be going into the men's quadruple sculls alongside Ronan Byrne, Adam Murphy, and Andrew Sheehan.

McCarthy won the lightweight double sculls gold alongside O'Donovan last summer but on this occassion he will be joined in the boat by Konan Pazzaia, as his fellow Skibbereen Rowing Clubman focusses on exams.

"Paul is currently balancing a number of significant commitments as he pursues his medical career progression," said Rowing Ireland CEO Michelle Carpenter.

"His participation depends on his availability, and we will continue to support him as he manages both his professional and sporting endeavours, as we do with all athletes."

Dominic Casey, High Performance Lead Coach added: “This marks the beginning of an exciting new cycle as we build towards Los Angeles 2028.

"Our athletes returned refreshed and re-energised after a well-deserved break following the Paris campaign. Many are now balancing elite training with academic and professional commitments, which speaks to their dedication both on and off the water.

"We’re focused on laying strong foundations for the years ahead and supporting this group as they continue to grow, develop, and thrive in high performance rowing.”

Rowing Ireland's Senior Crews for 2025 European Rowing Championships

Men's pair: Daire Lynch (UCD Boat Club), Ross Corrigan (Portora Boat Club)

Men's double sculls: Konan Pazzaia (Queen’s University Belfast Boat Club), Fintan McCarthy (Skibbereen Rowing Club)

Men's quadruple sculls: Philip Doyle (Belfast Boat Club), Ronan Byrne (Shandon Boat Club), Adam Murphy (UCC Rowing Club), Andrew Sheehan (UCC Rowing Club)

Lightweight men's single sculls: Jake McCarthy (Skibbereen Rowing Club)

Women's double sculls: Mags Cremen (UCC Rowing Club), Zoe Hyde (Tralee Rowing Club)

Women's quadruple sculls: Alison Bergin (Fermoy Rowing Club), Aisling Hayes (Skibbereen Rowing Club), Natalie Long (Lee Valley Rowing Club), Claire Feerick (Neptune Rowing Club)

Women's single sculls: Fiona Murtagh (University of Galway Boat Club)

Lightweight Women's Single Sculls: Izzy Clements (Tara Rowing Club).