Q&A with Jake McCarthy

One half of the McCarthy twins who have made waves on the water for Skibbereen and Ireland, Jake’s backing Gary to beat Paul in a shot putt contest; another battle of two brothers.

Q. If you could relive one sporting moment from the past year, what would it be and why?  

It was probably making my senior debut for Ireland at the senior World Rowing Championships in the summer. I have been racing at the U23 worlds the past couple of years so progressing onto the senior stage and competing against the world’s best was definitely a big highlight.

Q. Ballineen’s Phil Healy is the fastest Irish woman of all-time – but who is the fastest person you know and would they beat Phil given a 20-metre head-start in a 100m race? 

I wouldn’t be on a first name basis but I reckon American sprinter Christian Coleman may probably edge it on the stride.

Q. What will you miss most about 2018?

Competing at the U23 World Rowing Championships – it was my last year at U23 level so now I’m into the big bad world of senior.

Q. Who do you think is West Cork’s biggest sports star?

I couldn’t pick one off the top of my head. There’s a good few athletes in all different sports that are doing West Cork proud. 

Q. World rowing champions Gary and Paul O’Donovan are quick on the water – but who would win a shot putt contest between the two, and why?

A tough call – Gary has been doing curls lately in the gym, so he could have the edge. I’d say it would come down to who has more coffee on the day. 

Q. If you could go for New Year’s drinks with three sports people – local, national or international – who would you pick?

Conor McGregor, Usain Bolt and Jimmy Bullard. Each individual brings their own unique culture of banter that would gel quite nicely. 

Q. What local sports star should we keep an eye on next year?

Darragh McElhinney – from what I’ve seen, he has a bright future ahead of him. He’d probably put up a challenge to Phil Healy with that headstart too!

Q. Conor McGregor – yesterday’s man or still relevant?

Still relevant – continuing to show that hard work gets results. He takes advantage of every possible opportunity to establish himself even further.

Q. A penguin and a polar bear fight in the forest. There’s no one around to watch. The penguin walks out victorious. How did he win?

I’ll have to watch more Planet Earth before answering that one.

Q. Finish this sentence: In 2019 I want to …

Win a medal at the senior World Rowing Championships for my country and get my college degree.