As the BBC celebrated its 100th anniversary on October 18th 2022, we took a look back at possibly their greatest Irish sports moment, featuring the O'Donovan brothers Paul and Gary at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Written on August 12th 2016 by Conor Neville.
The O'Donovan brothers are now becoming so 'gas' that the entire population of Rio is in danger of passing out.
Not long out of the water and barely having had time to retch, Gary and Paul O'Donovan were obliged to speak to RTE and the BBC. After stepping away from Joe Stack, they strode towards the microphones of the British Broadcasting Corporation.
While walking in the direction of England's biggest rugby-Gaelic football fan, Mr. John Inverdale, Gary O'Donovan could be heard muttering some words of caution to his brother Paul O'Donovan.
"We'll have to be careful with what we say to these lads"
READ HERE: Ranking The Greatest Moments From The O'Donovan Brothers' Interviews In Rio
READ HERE: Watch: Paul O'Donovan's Vlog Series Is One Of The Internet's Great Hidden Treasures
This O'Donovan brothers incident reminds us of that old Mastermind joke where an Irishman appeared answering questions on his specialist subject, 'the Easter Rising, 1916'.
After answering 'PASS' to the most basic of questions including 'Who read the proclamation from the steps of the GPO?' and 'Which signatory was executed while strapped to a chair?', a voice rose from crowd exclaiming 'That's it Paddy! Tell them nothin'!!'
READ HERE: Watch: A Tearful Neville Maxwell Sums Up What The O'Donovans' Medal Means For Irish Rowing
READ HERE: O'Donovan And McCarthy In Cheeky Form Ahead Of World Rowing Final
Who are the O'Donovan brothers?
Gary and Paul O'Donovan are Irish rowers who shot to fame during their impressive 2016 Olympic showing.
They are from Lisheen, Cork, Gary (30) is the older of the two brothers, only by a year though as Paul is 29 years old.
The two quickly became fan favourites and ones to watch throughout the tournament as not only did they impress in the water, they also produced some of the greatest interview content during the Rio Olympics.
The O'Donovan brothers went on to win silver at the 2016 Rio Olympics in lightweight double sculls competition.
12 August 2016; Brothers Gary O'Donovan, left, and Paul O'Donovan of Ireland celebrate winning silver in the Men's Lightweight Double Sculls A final in Lagoa Stadium, Copacabana, during the 2016 Rio Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
Why is Paul not rowing with Gary anymore?
The O'Donovan brother's no longer row together after Gary lost his seat back in 2019.
Gary O'Donovan lost out to Fintan McCarthy for a seat in the Irish rowing doubles back in 2019, with McCarthy retaining his seat ever since.
Gary has been unable to reclaim his seat next to his brother Paul O'Donovan since 2019.
Since then Paul and Fintan have gone from strength to strength, winning gold at the Olympics. Paul however isn’t ruling Gary out of the equation in the near future.
SEE ALSO: Paul O'Donovan And Fintan McCarthy Take Home Rowing Gold For Ireland
