We just can’t get enough of these two lads.
Brothers Gary and Paul O’Donovan, from Skibbereen in Cork, are currently in Rio competing in the Olympic Games, where they have just qualified for the final of the men’s double sculls.
And here is the lineup for the Men's Lightweight Double Sculls Final, O'Donovan brothers are in lane 1 #rterio2016 pic.twitter.com/kUxGXXONZC
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) August 11, 2016
But it’s not just their athletic prowess that’s quickly making them firm favourites of Olympics viewers, it’s also their brilliantly grounded, unaffected media appearances afterwards.
We first got to meet them a few days ago after winning the Lightweight Double Sculls heat.
The O'Donovan brothers took the choppy water conditions in their stride to win in Rio today https://t.co/lJNoLL4OrYhttps://t.co/AuWALUfm4W
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) August 8, 2016
“We handled it very well,” Paul said. “We were almost disappointed we couldn’t race yesterday, it would have been a bit of craic.”
“We’re well used to be a bit of wind,” Gary piped in. “That kind of thing wouldn’t faze us at all.”
And sure why would it?!
It’s an interview that immediately had them acclaimed as being “pure Cork!”
Pure Cork! Rowing brothers Paul & Gary O'Donovan react to reaching Okympic semi-final @RTEsport #Rio2016 pic.twitter.com/wewqwHeO2C
— Paul O'Flynn (@OFlynnPaul) August 8, 2016
two lads from the rowing just gave the best interview i've seen in a long time? @RTEsport #poitín
— AJ Ryan (@ajryannn) August 11, 2016
Now, the two boys have gifted us another wonderfully Irish interview with RTE Sport in which they talk about their final tomorrow.
The O'Donovan brothers were delighted to beat the Brits and reach an Olympic final #rterio2016 #rowing https://t.co/ul0rQyZLvc
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) August 11, 2016
First of all, neither one seems too bothered when their event is actually on tomorrow – whether it’s 11am or 10.30am.
Then they talk about what they’ll be done to prepare for it.
“We’ll get home to get ourselves into an ice bath anyway, cool ourselves down a bit. We’ll get a bit of steak, the food here is fantastic. Steak for breakfast, lunch and dinner with spuds if you like…!”
Though the killer line is: “‘Tis great to beat the Brits!”
Honestly, reading their words robs it of the real beauty. So just have a listen.
The two lads continue to win new fans, and it’s easy to see why.
The O'Donovan brothers amazing on and off the water. Great interview with @RTEsport #RowingInRio #TeamIreland
— Derval O'Rourke (@DervalORourke) August 11, 2016
These are great Wesht Cork ambassadors ? https://t.co/bTnaAODezS
— Richard Looby (@RichardLooby) August 11, 2016
These lads are a breath of fresh air. Love their raw honesty and enthusiasm. #PureCork https://t.co/JUFX59qKEi
— Colin Griffin (@colingriffin) August 11, 2016
Two West Cork men lighting up our screens @RTEsport both in and out of the boat, so laid back they're almost horizontal, best of luck boys!!
— graham mortell (@MortellGraham) August 11, 2016
Brilliant, upbeat & refreshing interview from @PaulO_Donovan @gary_o_donovan on @RTEsport. With this attitude anything is possible! ?? lads
— David Gillick (@DavidGillick) August 11, 2016
I want the O'Donovan brothers to commentate on the rest of the Olympics for @RTEsport after their rowing final tomorrow.Brilliant comedy duo
— Phil Standun (@its_phil) August 11, 2016
Best of luck boys!!
