Six years ago, the O'Donovan brothers had the nation in stitches with their post-race interviews at the Rio Olympics. The Cork duo would go on to win silver in the lightweight double skulls. This piece from 2016 looks back on the Skibbereen duo's most iconic interview moments from those Rio games.
After gathering himself for a few minutes, Neville Maxwell disclosed on RTE that the O'Donovan brothers are to get their own reality TV show, a prospect which appeared to delight Joanne Cantwell no end.
The duo have delighted the nation and gave Irish rowing its greatest day hitherto in Rio in 2016.
Irish rowing had had two fourth place finishes in Olympic games before. Sean Drea just missed out on the medals in Montreal in 1976.
The lightweight four of Neville Maxwell (in RTE studio today), Sam Lynch (husband of Sinead Lynch), Derek Holland and Tony O'Connor finished 4th in Atlanta in 1996.
The O'Donovan interviews for RTÉ, too, delighted the nation. Rowing is an amateur sport here but the reality TV producers appear to have deduced that the pair have a future as professional Corkmen. Or professional west Corkmen at the very least.
At the risk of indulging in overkill on this front, we have decided that the O'Donovans' interview performance over the course of the week requires more analysis.
O'Donovan interviews: The best moments from Rio 2016
8. 'I couldn't tell ya... Is it half ten'
The lads were relaxed when asked the exact starting point of their race. Joe seemed to be under the impression it might be on the tip of their tongue. Sure, it'll start when it starts.
7. 'Pull like a dog'
Joe Stack tried to draw them out on any intricate race strategies. Paul explained their strategies thus.
A to B as fast as you can go and hope for the best. Close the eyes and pull like a dog
6. 'A bit of craic'
The lads were a biteen disappointment they didn't get a go in the winds on the Sunday.
The O'Donovan brothers took the choppy water conditions in their stride to win in Rio today https://t.co/lJNoLL4OrYhttps://t.co/AuWALUfm4W
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) August 8, 2016
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5. Gary needs a minute
Gary O'Donovan took a minute during the post-final interview. The race certainly took its toll on the brothers.
4. 'Shteak and shpuds'
Steak for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Heaven indeed. They live like kings in the Olympic village.
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3. Tiocfaidh ar lá
Our information is they didn't exclaim this at the end of their BBC interview.
The O'Donovans "tiocfaidh ar la " to #Olympics #Rio2016 Gold pic.twitter.com/puiFUbkwFM
— Farce (@Farce1111) August 12, 2016
2. 'With the year that was in it, t'was great to beat the Brits for the year that's in it'
The lads chose to honour the men and women of 1916 by beaten the British pair in the semi-final of the Lightweight Double Sculls in Rio. What better way to honour them.
The O'Donovan brothers were delighted to beat the Brits and reach an Olympic final #rterio2016 #rowing https://t.co/ul0rQyZLvc
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) August 11, 2016
1. 'We're dreading going home now because Mick Conlan said he'd box the head off us if we didn't get the gold'
"Mick Conlan said he'd box the head off us if we didn't get the gold" #rterio2016 https://t.co/LGELc2W2PP
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) August 12, 2016
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