Olympic medallists Gary and Paul O’Donovan admit they have been shocked by the response of Irish sports fans to their achievements in Rio.
Around 1,000 people greeted the two silver medal-winning rowers on their arrival home to Cork airport last night.
"It was overwhelming," said Gary, speaking at their first press conference since landing back in Ireland.
"People were here and sending us messages saying ‘you don’t know what you’re in for’.
"Just before we got on the plane in Rotterdam we got a WhatsApp message from the boys in the club saying there were buses coming up from Skibbereen and we were like ‘Jesus, this is going to be insane’."
Paul, who secured a gold medal from the world championships in Holland on Saturday to add to the silver from Rio, added: “It’s a complete shock, we were just there talking sh*te, answering questions. It’s all good for the sport and for the community down here.
“It was kind of a reflection of what it’s been like the last couple of years. That’s why we are so happy."
'Christ, it's hungry work celebrating'-Olympic silver medal winners Gary & Paul O'Donovan speaking to media in Cork https://t.co/s5qot2Cohm
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) August 29, 2016
Along with sailor Annalise Murphy, the Cork brothers were Team Ireland’s only medallists from the Games.
Asked if the ticketing controversy had any impact on their experience, Gary said: “When we heard Pat Hickey got arrested I said, ‘Who’s Pat Hickey?’
“We had the best time ever over there.”
The duo plan to return to their studies in the next month but on the waterfront, it will be next year’s World Championships in Florida in September/October that occupies their time.
“[Where] I can become a world champion as well,” said Gary.
