Off the Ball broadcast a special OB from Skibbereen this evening, in which they interviewed three legends of Cork football in between chats with Ireland's top rowers. Top of the bill, naturally, were Olympic silver-medalists and fundamentally sound men, Gary and Paul O'Donovan.
The interview was long and largely fascinating, as they brothers shone a light on the level of their dedication, and the importance of rowing in their lives. (hint: it's pretty much all of it). It's well worth a listen back on the Newstalk website.
One of the stand-out moments was the brothers' insight into their state of mind ahead of a race. They are fairly relaxed pre-race, and they told all of the tunes they put on to get themselves primed for speed on the water:
Paul: We'd be very relaxed there, sitting in the tent an hour before the race. We'd be joking away and sharing a laugh, maybe eating a slice of bread. Gary would be belting the Irish tunes out of the little speaker.
Gary: The Irish team are renowned in the boat world for having the sound system in the tent. [We play] anything really. Anything Irish, upbeat, and fast. Chieftans, Wolfe Tones. Anything to get us going. It's pretty fun. The Germans ask, 'What are ye doing for your warm-up, are ye doing Riverdance in there!?' Everyone else warms up on a rowing machine or in the boat, and they think we're in the tent doing Riverdance.
It's a pretty relaxed environment all round, as regattas are no place for trash-talking, as Gary went on to elucidate.
No there's no psyching out, everyone has such respect for everyone. It doesn't change anything. If someone says something to me, it won't affect how fast I go from the start to the finish line.
Same if I were to say something to the French, they are still going to go as fast as they can from the start to the finish. You can say all you like, and think all you like.... but maybe the Irish tunes are psyching people out!
As you'd expect, the lads are well worth an hour of your time.
See Also: Bray Wanderers Release Most Bonkers Statement The LOI Has Ever Seen
