Kerry and Limerick duo win historic gold at U19 World Rowing Championships

In challenging conditions with a strong headwind, Jonah Kirby and Jack Rafferty crewed the first Irish boat to win gold in a men's event at the championships. 

Jonah Kirby and Jack Rafferty after winning gold in the men's double at the U19 World Rowing Championships. Pic: World Rowing

Jonah Kirby and Jack Rafferty claimed a historic gold medal in the men's double at the U19 World Rowing Championships in Trakai, Lithuania on Sunday. In challenging conditions with a strong headwind, Kerry's Kirby (Kenmare RC) and Limerick's Rafferty (St Michael's RC) crewed the first Irish boat to win gold in a men's event at the championships. 

At the 500m mark, the duo pushed away from the field and had clear water by 900m. Their lead continued to grow throughout the race, and they crossed the line with two lengths of clear water in a time of 6:39.57. They finished just over seven seconds ahead of Greece in second and just under 18 seconds ahead of Germany in third. Only five boats started the final after Hungary withdrew before the off due to medical reasons. Italy finished fourth and the Netherlands in fifth.