Irish crews named for European Rowing Championships

Ireland have named their team for the upcoming European Rowing Championships as preparations intensify for the summer's Paris Games.

Last Sunday, Irish crews picked up two medals at the World Cup rowing event on Lago di Varese in Italy. Fiona Murtagh and Aifric Keogh won silver in the women's pair, with Philip Doyle and Daire Lynch claiming bronze in the men's double.

Focus now turns to the Europeans which take place in Szeged, Hungary, from 25 to 28 April.

The all-conquering Paul O'Donovan and Fintan McCarthy are back in action, competing in the lightweight men's double.

The reigning Olympic champions retained gold at the World Championships last September.

At last year's Europeans, McCarthy finished sixth in the final after partnering with Hugh Moore. O'Donovan was busy with college commitments at that time, but he reunites with McCarthy this month and they'll be strongly fancied to add another gold to the collection.

In the women's double, Alison Bergin teams up with Zoe Hyde, while Margaret Cremen competes in the lightweight women’s single, and Jake McCarthy goes in the lightweight men’s single.

IRISH CREWS

Women's Double
Alison Bergin (Fermoy RC), Zoe Hyde (Tralee RC)

Lightweight Men’s Double
Paul O'Donovan (Skibbereen RC), Fintan McCarthy (Skibbereen RC)

Lightweight Women’s Single
Margaret Cremen (University College Cork RC)

Lightweight Men’s Single
Jake McCarthy (Skibbereen RC)