SKIBBERDEEN, Ireland–A “Rio Party” hosted by Skibbereen Credit Union here to watch two local rowers in the Olympics had to be delayed due to weather in Rio de Janeiro.
The credit union had planned to host a special screening of a race in the men’s lightweight double sculls rowing competition featuring two local brothers, Gary and Paul O’Donovan. But the race was postponed yesterday due to weather.
Skibbereen Credit Union has been a long-time sponsor of both the brothers and the Skibbereen Rowing Club. The CU had set up large-screen TVs inside its “banking hall” and also created a Brazilian Carnival in celebration.
“To make it to the Olympics is such an enormous achievement in itself,” said Donal O’Driscoll of Skibbereen Credit Union, “so we are celebrating the fact they have made it, and will put work aside for six minutes to cheer them on from Skibbereen. We hope that everyone in the town will congregate in the credit union banking hall for the race just after 1 p.m., and show their support for the lads who have worked and trained so hard to get to Rio. They are a credit to their club and to themselves and we are thrilled to be one of their main supporters since the beginning.”
The race was to be rescheduled for today, weather permitting. Should the O’Donovan brothers finish in the top three, they will quality for the “A” final on Friday.