Paris 2024: Women's and men's pairs reach rowing semi-finals

Aifric Keogh and Fiona Murtagh advanced to the semi-finals of the women's pair after a battling performance at the at the Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium.

The Galway women, part of the women’s four that claimed bronze at the Tokyo Games, have medal ambitions once again and are through to the semi-finals in Paris.

Their heat was won comfortably by Romania, who led from the off to claim the win in a time of 7:24.27.

With three of the four boats advancing, Great Britain’s error at the start left them with an uphill challenge as they found themselves adrift after 500m.

With Czechia the closest challenges to Romania, Keogh and Murtagh began to drift back and approaching 500m to the line, it looked like Great Britain could challenge Ireland for that coveted third spot.

The Irish boat, however, dug deep and had a storming final 500m to pip Czechia on the line to take second in a time of 7:28.22 and advance to Wednesday’s A/B semi-final.

An outstanding finish from Ross Corrigan and Nick Timoney saw the Irish rowers secure their place in the men's pair A/B semi-finals after a thrilling finish to their heat.

In a highly competitive race, a photo finish was required to identify which three of the four boats that crossed that progressed, with Ireland edging out world champions Switzerland for the third and final automatic spot.

Spain took victory (6:32.28), with New Zealand taking second spot and the Irish boat third in a time of 6:32.34.

They will return for semi-final action on Wednesday.