Fintan McCarthy fighting far above his weight with rowing's big boys

A year of joy for McCarthy as he steps into a new class. 

PUNCHING ABOVE HIS WEIGHT: At the launch announcing the renewal of McKeever Sports’ partnership with the Olympic Federation of Ireland through to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games is Olympic medalist Fintan McCarthy. Pic: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

It’s a busy day so Fintan McCarthy sits down for a chat with that enormous smile of his and a plate. White bread. Pure butter. Some sort of relish. Here, you think, is a happy consequence of the Olympic champion’s switch to rowing’s heavyweight ranks.

Years competing at lightweight, where he reigned supreme in the men’s doubles alongside Paul O’Donovan, meant years watching the diet and cutting weight in the run-up to competition. It’s very different now as he goes up against the big boys. Literally.