A STUNNING SECOND-HALF race from the Irish women’s four of Aifric Keogh, Eimear Lambe, Fiona Murtagh and Emily Hegarty was enough to earn a well-deserved third place and Ireland’s first medal in Tokyo. 

After a slow start, the Irish boat turned on the style over the final 1000m, finishing with a time of 6:20.46. 

There was a closely fought battle for first as favourites Australia just edged out the Netherlands. The winning time was an Olympic record 6:15.37 with the Dutch finishing in 6:15.71.  

It is the first time since 1992 that the women’s four has been up for grabs and the first-ever rowing medal for Irish women. 

In choppy conditions at the Sea Forest Waterway, the Irish quartet surged from fifth to third to hold off the British challenger and secure a bronze medal. It was a remarkable recovery from the crew who finished tenth at the 2019 world championships. 

“It is a bit surreal. I think it is just something for the future. Hopefully, this will be the first of many. Hopefully, it gives the young girls coming up real hope it is completely possible. If we can do it, anyone can,” a delighted Emily Hegarty told RTE post-race.