Bronze medal secures Finn Lynch Olympic qualification

By David Branigan

Carlow's Finn Lynch has secured his place at this summer's Olympic Games in Paris with a bronze medal at the European ILCA7 championships in Athens.

The Rio 2016 Olympian was competing in the second of a three regatta selection trials event against Howth’s Ewan McMahon who placed 17th this week in their 141-boat event.

Lynch cannot be caught with one event remaining, effectively ending the trials series.

McMahon’s form improved significantly from the European Championships and this result qualifies him for the Sport Ireland carding scheme.

Lynch ended the eight-race European Championships tied for third place, but lost out on the tie-break.

Meanwhile, McMahon’s sister Eve was also competing in her ILCA6 event in preparation for Paris where she has already secured a place in the women’s single-handed event.

The 19-year ended 15th overall in her 110-boat event as she marks the start of her second season competing in the senior fleet.

2016 silver medallist Annalise Murphy was coaching her for the week ahead of the Olympic Regatta that begins in Marseille on 26 July.