A ROTA SINKS PAUL'S PLANS

WORK in Dublin's Mater Hospital will keep Paul O'Donovan from participating in next month's World Rowing Championships in Shanghai.

- BY MICHAEL SCULLY

O'Donovan, who is a doctor, is not part of the 22-strong Ireland team that is travelling to China in pursuit of medals.

The two-time Olympic champion has moved into the heavyweight category and his current double partner Daire Lynch, who won bronze with Philip Doyle in Paris last year, is also missing the Worlds due to his medical studies.

"Paul is working in the Mater Hospital, so he unfortunately can't make the World Championships," said Rowing Ireland's lead coach Dominic Casey.