There was cause for celebration in Lucerne as the Irish PR3 Mixed Double Sculls crew claimed a superb bronze medal in the ‘A’ final at the World Rowing Cup on the iconic Rotsee course.
The podium finish continues a remarkable run of form for Boher native Tiarnán O’Donnell, who recently struck gold in the PR2 Men’s Single Sculls at World Rowing Cup I in Varese—his first ever international victory.
O’Donnell, who represents Lee Rowing Club, teamed up with Sadhbh Ní Laoghaire (Bantry Rowing Club) in the PR3 category due to limited entries in their primary PR2 classification. The regatta offered valuable race experience and will aid their ongoing development and classification ahead of the upcoming World Championships.
A former wheelchair basketball international, 27-year-old O’Donnell made a remarkable transition to para rowing, competing at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games in the PR2 Mixed Double Sculls alongside Katie O’Brien. Their participation marked Ireland’s return to Paralympic rowing for the first time since London 2012.
Since his Paralympic debut, O’Donnell has gone from strength to strength, winning silver medals at both the 2024 World Rowing Cup II and III in the PR2 Single Sculls, before clinching gold at the 2025 World Cup I in Varese.
His teammate in Lucerne, 18-year-old Sadhbh Ní Laoghaire, is one of Ireland’s most promising new Para rowers. Starting her rowing journey in early 2024, she quickly made her mark by claiming double gold at the 2024 Home International Regatta in both the 2000m and 500m events. Her rapid progress saw her nominated in the Rowability category at the 2024 Rowing Ireland Awards.
