Paris 2024: Paul O'Donovan to plan future, Fintan McCarthy 'done' after gold success

Paul O'Donovan will take time to plan his next move while Fintan McCarthy has said he is "done" after the Skibbereen pair retained their Olympic title at Paris 2024.

The Cork pair put in an assured and accomplished performance in the men's lightweight double sculls final as they came home in a time of 6:10.99, taking gold ahead of Italy and Greece.

At present, the lightweight double skulls are not in the Olympic programme for Los Angeles 2028.

However, O'Donovan, who turned 30 in April, said he would consider going in a different boat in what would be his fourth Games.

Speaking after the medal ceremony, O’Donovan said: "Fortunately, [I’m] very lucky to still be healthy fit and here competing and lucky to have Fintan behind me in the boat who was absolutely on fire this morning dragging me down the course - it’s been a good week.

"It’s [LA 2028] definitely something that’s on my mind at the minute so I must go home and write out a plan for the next few years and see how to fit that one in."

27-year-old McCarthy, however, said he was now "done weighing in".

He told RTÉ Sport: "We had our last weigh in ever this morning, well probably, Paul might have a few more coming up but I’m done, done weighing in, so I’ll get some nice food, beverages and see what happens."

O'Donovan and McCarthy were roared on to victory by a large Irish contingent at the Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium, and the support was definitely noticed by the pair.

'The French say they are going to take us for some baguettes and wine'

Paul O'Donovan and Fintan McCarthy look forward to the party after winning a second Olympic gold medal in a row