Christmas TV viewing includes story of O'Donovans' success

A SPECIAL one-hour documentary on Skibbereen’s favourite brothers is one of RTÉ’s Christmas TV viewing highlights.

Pull like a Dog – coincidentally made by Skibbereen filmmaker Adrian McCarthy – follows the O’Donovan brothers as they return to their parish of Lisheen and Skibbereen Rowing Club in the aftermath of their success.

In August 2016 Gary (23) and Paul (22), the two young rowers, appeared to come from nowhere to become household names after bolting their way to silver medal success at the Rio Olympics. 

Not only did they become the first ever Irish rowers to bring home Olympic medals, but within a week, Paul also went on to become the fastest singles lightweight rower on the planet by winning gold at the World Championships. 

The one-hour documentary follows the duo as they return to their parish and spend time in their home town, on the River Ilen and inside their small club, which this year became the most successful club in Irish rowing history. 

Viewers will also see ‘wonder coach’ Dominic Casey in action and hear how the small, rural club has achieved so much success under his watch. The boys’ father Teddy, who coached them during their early years, and their mother Trish, who also became a household name during the Olympics, are both interviewed.

Adrian McCarthy and his team were also behind the acclaimed documentary Hidden Impact – Rugby & Concussion and his connections to Skibbereen mean the viewer will get a unique glimpse inside the world of the O’Donovan brothers.

Pull like a Dog is on RTÉ One on Tuesday December 27th at 9.25pm.