The Irish Rowing Brothers Who Shocked The World

Meet The Rowing Brothers who shocked the world: Paul and Gary O’Donovan.
WATCH all The Way of the Wildcard episodes right here:
►E1: • The Armed Robber Turne...
►E2: • The Barefoot Mountain ...
►E3: • The Ugandan Star of Wh...
Way of the Wildcard’ released every Wednesday tells the story of unexpected athletes succeeding in the most unlikely circumstances. In 2016, Paul and Gary O’Donovan became household personalities by winning silver Men's lightweight double sculls at the 2016 Olympic Games.
In what is commonly regarded as sport for the elite, the O’Donovan Brothers’ story explains other routes into Rowing; as well as shedding light on one of the Europe’s most successful and unique rowing clubs you’ve never heard of.
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[@Superhaza2001]

“Rowing was a bad choice, couldn’t we’ve picked a warmer sport” 😂😂😂 relatable

[@louisroden6424]

Shport *^

[@malcolmjcullen]

"We put a bit of thought into it and we figured, if we do a bit more training, we might go faster"

[@joshuathorburn3709]

What a complex scientific formula

[@cdseeber11]

🤣🤣🤣

[@nojapier]

University's in US are still analysing data from this sentence

[@gregbrogan9061]

The simplicity of their brilliance is pure magnificence!

[@indiracamotim2858]

That was priceless !! 😊😊

[@CavanHagan]

"Yea we've got a river running out the back of the house, which is useful for the rowing"

[@GrainneMhaol]

The Cork sarcasm is hard to beat.

[@michelleflood8220]

Grainne Mhaol not wrong !! I've got a cousin that leaves in boherard just outside cork city and recently learnt it's where one of my great grandmothers is from on dads side his maternal grandmother is cork born woman ! Trouble is they speak very fast so unless you're quick on the uptake you miss what they are saying but yes gas lads ! Munster men !!

[@MizzJavzzStarhh]

Watching this gave me goosebumps. made me proud to be Irish when I'm not even Irish.

[@garyanthonyodonovan1686]

You are very welcome to visit Ireland at any time!

[@eimhearodalaigh3677]

MissJay everyone is a little bit Irish 🇮🇪

[@applesauce7360]

I was about to comment that. I was Soo proud. Especially when the music kicked in.

[@misskarima84]

watching this gave me also goosebumps even though i am also not irish.

[@shane-irish]

Cork like like like

[@theirishroadtrip]

Whoever shot and exited this is an absolute champ. Brilliant watch.

[@redbull]

Thanks! 💪🎥

[@alwaysuseless]

*edited

[@roryhogan3932]

@@redbull any chance of getting the name of the music at the end or at 6:53? Thanks!

[@Liface]

Jonny Madderson and Jonno Stevens, they run a creative agency called "Just So". They were the guys behind the Black Cab Sessions.

[@Mark.G475]

@@redbull it is amazing, great, incredibly moving. I hope the guys who made this more for you do more! Thanks from Milwaukee Wisconsin usa

[@RealEngineering]

I'd watch an entire series with the lads. Comedic geniuses "Whitepiece of paper that's on a string"

[@darealmccoi9780]

They are hilarious 😂😂

[@MarkRobertCuthbert]

You should come to I.R.E.L.A.N.D. To A Certain Pub in Newry, County Down, in Ireland north, just 60 minutes drive up the Main road from Dublin Airport or Train to Newry station. Newry men "Unbelievable" or West Cork. Great Hearts make you happy just got to be luckky have have the blood lines of that type of people. We Irish ( not many ) have it baby !

[@samisparkar]

Does anyone know the soundtrack they used in 11:30 ???!

[@nojapier]

@@MarkRobertCuthbert how many pints do I need to start understanding Irishman in the pub?

[@thenobleandmightybeaver4411]

I really think the key to their success may be rooted in the statement “...we hope they’d do well, and that they would be OK and come back safe”.

[@janisgay5507]

I loved when she said that.

[@gregbrogan9061]

Yes. One of the many things I love about Ireland/the Irish - win or lose, they love, support and are proud of their athletes. A genuine sense of community and care.

[@toomuch9762]

Thats what you call a typical “Irish mammy”. Doesnt matter what you do all they want is you back safe and sound and in one piece 🤣

[@michaelarnold417]

@@toomuch9762 ...and make you a cup of tea

[@oisindonoghue7824]

This is the most Irish video I’ve ever seen

[@michelleflood8220]

Oisin Donoghue oh ha ha had to laugh when their mam said thank goodness they got into rowing otherwise I don't know what they would be at !!

[@shane-irish]

True like

[@huntley3999]

These lads are so typical of lads all over Ireland- smart, humble, hardworking, self-deprecating, with great community backing and sensible people all round.

[@michelleflood8220]

Hunt Ley yes I'd say so and self depracation is just part and parcel of the typical Irish sense of humour that and not taking life or yourself too serious and enjoying the craic ! Yes these lads are typical of Irish men particularly if my Irish male cousins are anything to go by I have some in cork just outside the city in boherard, one in limerick ( but grew up in Kildare ) , Tipperary which is southwest of cork , and some in Dublin so cross four counties accent and location wise !

[@jamescarroll9022]

Hunt Ley oljnm J

[@disturbedcarrot]

Typical lads don't end up at the Olympics, these guys are serious athletes but pass it off very nicely! All credit due to them, hope the do well in 2020!

[@Sophie-jv3eq]

@@michelleflood8220 the only thing Southwest of Cork ist Kerry and the Atlantic 🤣

[@michaelarnold417]

@@Sophie-jv3eq It was an American map

[@dimitri1946]

I laughed and cried. What a great documentary. What a sense of humor. Great story line. Beautiful rowing. The Irish rock!

[@indiracamotim2858]

I’m not Irish and I was literally crying when they won ! It was just brilliant. Such lovely people in the family and the town too.this video touched my heart ♥️

[@soniatriana9091]

I instantly knew their secret from the beginning. They live in a very special place that still truly believes in helping & knowing all their town’s people, by doing whatever it takes, where everyone chips in & supports you & your goals. Plus, it’s in their DNA: hardworking, stubborn, determined, perseverance, commitment, dedication, & GRIT!! I was emotional watching this & like many others, I’m not Irish! But luckily my kids have it, thru their dad’s side of the family👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻! What a beautiful gift, legacy, & honor these young men gave to their hometown & country!!

[@SweetasSugar42]

It was these guys that made me join my local club. Thanks to them I found my passion. I may not ever make it to an internationals, let alone a olympics but I will rowing for all of my life. I found friends, belief, and a reason to work for something.

[@user-sw4rl5sw5u]

SweetasSugar42 👌☘❤🌝☞☞☞☞☞☞☞☞☞✊

[@kevin-ul9sf]

Enniskillen=best junior club

[@sofiamilosavljevic4188]

Same here

[@Rich_Mitch_Creative]

Thank you for making a truly brilliant rowing film. One that shows rowing the way i know it. Hard graft, no money, no entitlement. Working every session to make that boat go faster. Class. What a story. Nice one.

[@SweetasSugar42]

Greta to see as well a video showing the smaller clubs that are barely able to get some money together, but are rich in spirit and love for the sport

[@oisinmcgrath314]

So true

[@brianharder7714]

This is so good. Had me in tears. The crazy thing is that you don't even get to see the race.

[@chrisclark1761]

Is it because Olympics Ltd has copyright on it ?

[@muranichanain6027]

I've just rewatched this and I am in tears again. The most gorgeous and uplifting video ever. What brilliant guys ❤️

[@bcd4562]

KZbin suggested this lovely lovely video. This is the the heart of the olympics, stories like this.

[@gregbrogan9061]

This really could be turned into a movie. It has that sense of the underdog who wins through pure good spirit and a loving supportive community. It's almost better that they came in second and the community reacted like they won 1000X. Just the purity of that... that the woman wants them to come home safe... Really touching! And everyone feel a bit of Irish pride whether they are Irish or not!

[@michaelarnold417]

Yes, a movie along the lines of The Commitments for authenticity of casting, dialect etc

[@hesitantpoison5868]

Paul’s my classmate in college rn. I’m an international student and I had no idea he was famous (I obviously live under a rock. Humble lad.

[@gregbrogan9061]

Such a nice compliment to him though...

[@501archer]

are you in the medical school there? i'm from the us and was wondering about how the medical program there is like...

[@i1woo]

Watching this on 2021. I first watched them on the Graham Norton show, found out about their fun and witty interview, and came across this brilliant documentary of them. I don't even need to be Irish to say that I am proud of what they have achieved and what they have done to put the name of Skibbereen on the Olympic level. These talented lads and this warm, lovely town deserve this recognition. 💚🧡

[@luvhart]

One of them is now an Olympic Gold Medalist from Tokyo! It’s a remarkable achievement that a little club like Skibbereen from the back of beyonds has now produced Olympic Gold, Silver and Bronze medalists.

[@lulube11e111]

Thanks to Red Bull for sponsoring rowers.

[@garbour456]

I know, I love it when our corporate overlords throw us a bone or two

[@marioneconnolly]

Fast forward to Tokyo 2020(1) and it's a gold for Paul O'Donovan. Well played

[@ChrisProuse]

Beautifully done - that was an absolute joy to watch from beginning to end 👌

[@alaindmystic9876]

Chris Prouse took words out of my mouth 😁😁

[@abbiewhelan1886]

Colours

[@Katehayes5]

The water shots and ,in particular, the aerial shot where they carry the boat out to the water - just gorgeous - a lovely film to watch

[@samisparkar]

Does anyone know the soundtrack they used in 11:30 ?!

[@Mark.G475]

I have watched it many times. It always brings me up, makes me feel better. Mark in Milwaukee Wisconsin usa

[@lorcanfisher3999]

The lads are total legends. They still don't know how good they are😂😂😂😜😜😜😜

[@andrewmckenna00]

"they all have arms and legs, and water"

[@irony78]

Hello from poor old Greece! Amazing story, excellent video! 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

[@wemuk5170]

Andreas A Y 😅😂🤣🤣

[@davidaucoin7280]

A true testament to what community is. Love these two guys. I first heard of them on Graham Norton Show. Especially love the accents!!!

[@nonni3955]

As an Icelander I’m a proud Irish man

[@everyonelovesdee]

Can only say I have never heard people be such straightforward talkers with such wit before in my life. Hard earned medals won by the brothers, helped along by their family, friend and community.

[@teddyslims7498]

Made me tear up. These guys are what makes humanity good. Good on them.

[@gailhookailo9850]

As a rower (in my past), I appreciate this so much. Rowing doesn't have to be stuffy. And I used to have the coffee can weights, love this so. Want to move to this town.

[@MikeRoberts1964]

We used empty 11kg kitty litter jugs filled with water as kettle bells.

[@TheSockWomble]

What a great example of how life should be lived. With a great sense of humour and a smile on your face. Nobody better to do it than a couple of laid back Irish lads 😂.

[@MrsCrazyrange]

Always coming back here

[@gionncaomhinmorpheagh4791]

A brilliant and totally inspiring video. Two young lads dedicated to their sport, but without the million-dollar budgets of other teams. Their simple training consists mostly of improvisation and a lot of sweat, yet they pulled off a true sensation. What I found most impressive is that the very humble and natural brothers readily gave kudos to their community, their family and friends and their coach, but it was actually they who did the deed and won silver at the Olympics. And my, but did they not do us mortal proud? MsG

[@lirmediatv753]

Paul has just won gold for Ireland at the Tokyo Olympics.

[@leroyoneill1929]

Not gonna lie, this made me cry with pride. I cant imagine the work they done. Well fu*king done lads.

[@janbeltran9794]

Bravo Young Men Bravo ... WithLove From Yucaipa, California ... (You Ki Pah)

[@Kit-se3zs]

I had never heard of these boys or their Olympic journey until 2 days ago (approx a year later) when I saw the video of their appearance on Graham Norton, the one with Marion Cotillard, Michael Fassbender, and the "Impossibly Irish Couch" lol. So funny and adorable. I'm a little sad that i wasn't a part of their joy when it all happened. But my god, this short documentary is something else. What a timeless, charming story, and so beautifully crafted in every way. I kept thinking ok, when is someone going to make a feature-length film about these humble, rambunctious brothers and their lovely Irish town? I really hope someone does. I'm going to follow their rowing careers now! 💖🍀

[@ronant9136]

“Better than the pope” 😂 geez these lads are legends

[@SweetasSugar42]

Uh this is a perfect encapsulation of the Irish rowing scene

[@darwinstortoise9883]

So true, outside of the cities

[@alanmonaghan30]

They did Ireland and their club proud , well done lads , great vid.

[@siemens198195]

These guys need to get their own show

[@MikeRoberts1964]

These are the kind of guys the Olympics SHOULD be about, not these multi-million dollar programs and certainly not those US "Dream Teams" made up of spoiled Pro Athletes.

[@glassbottle15]

Mike Roberts spoiled and performance enhanced!

[@quadbravo]

I think that's a shallow comment at its roots. My family's roots are in Ireland but I live in the US. No doubt these two are very likable and unpretentious. When they become wealthy are you going to dislike them? Do you not think their wealth will grow via endorsements and all kinds of future success? So too has been the path of most if not all American athletes. Many came from poor neighborhoods. We have our middle class here. The fact that the US has a higher upper limit of wealth is no reason to discount the talents and work of any individual. I can find athletes that have become pretentious and lost focus over time but to cast aspersions at the foot of the US under the auspices of "dream teams" serves no purpose and detracts from the accomplishments those people made to make it. These guys typify US determination and grit. They are well received and supported here. I wish them the greatest of success, wealth and happiness in their lives.

[@robertmuckle2985]

@@quadbravo I think you missed 'Mike Roberts' greater point, which he sums up in his last 3 words..."spoiled Pro Athletes"!...And I will agree that, the Olympics has lost lost much of its charm due to highly funded professionals whose egos and bank accounts give NOTHING back to sport as a whole, and inspire youth in the same way a successful Rapper might, where it's not about the sport so much, as it's about the trappings...and that is never going to end well.

[@quadbravo]

@@robertmuckle2985 I'm sorry but there seems to be some weird inclination in the world today to demonize wealth. I don't get it. The fact that someone has money is irrelevant to their physical capabilities in my view. If it's an ego you dislike then okay but still people like Lebron James, for instance, are standout athletes. The rest is noise and personal preference which don't have a place on a field, court, or stage of your choice. A bank account doesn't make you a great athlete. The athleticism made the bank account.

[@MikeRoberts1964]

@@quadbravo i certainly wasn't trying to demonize wealth: I think what I was trying to get at that was that at the heart of the Olympic ideal is the idea of the talented amateur who competes for the love of the sport and that it doesn't matter where you are from, you can achieve great things through heart and hard work. The idea that 2 guys from the 'backwoods' of Ireland can train in a makeshift facility and still beat France is something that needs to be celebrated. The problem I had with 'spoiled' Pro athletes was the idea that these guys can have all the fame and financial might that comes from being a pro ball player, but they weren't content with that; had to have Olympic medals as well. And they somehow got the IOC to discard the rule that only allowed amateurs to compete..So these NBA guys who have had the best training on the planet get to change the rules to let them compete with amateurs, who for the most part will never get to be a pro; their moment of glory was going to be possibly winning a medal and the "Dream Team" took that from them, when to many of them it was just another award.

[@viralvidsworldwide3637]

my favourite video maybe ever. coming from an irishman myself. I loved this

[@redbull]

That's awesome!

[@hbproductions1997tm]

I have only visited ireland one time. Also i have rowed only for 3 Weeks one time. It was in that club! What a coincidence...

[@eoinmurran9645]

Ignacio Hdez-blanco how long ago was it

[@corpo_ethereal2744]

This gave me goosebumps. "It takes a village." fr. So happy for them

[@malcolmjcullen]

I too once worked in a place that used a dishwasher to put two filing cabinets on top of.

[@scotthamilton6062]

Why on earth did he try to put his foot out the window😂😂

[@Loracanne]

Just for the craic like 🤣

[@gregbrogan9061]

Trying to figure out why the window was designed that way. For the craic...

[@theeggtimertictic1136]

Because he could 😁

[@bichobicho5451]

Bit of craic

[@luv2umumsue]

I take it yer not Irish.

[@IanMcCausland]

Who else had this come up in their feed in 2021 during the Olympics and loved it so much?

[@thatguyinthesky2553]

That is without doubt, one of the most amazing things I have ever seen. An incredible story shown in an equally amazing way. Just Wow. Can you imagine the makers of this getting a Hollywood budget - Gold.

[@aleveraj]

What a beautiful piece of filmmaking. A gorgeous community, a story derserving of being told. A couple of very likable characters at the center of it all. Well done Guys, both the rowers and the makers of the video.

[@redroverredrover679]

Kudos to the video team on making our town look a whole lot cooler than it is. Hon the lads for their continued excellence and doing Skibbereen proud!

[@f6876]

The accent reminds me of my people in the Caribbean 🇯🇲🇧🇧🇬🇾🇹🇹🇱🇨

[@ciarancassidy7566]

Well, many Irish were deported to the Caribbean to be indentured workers during the 1600s. Most "red" Caribbean people are part Irish.

[@philbradshaw5776]

Watch a video called The black Irish of Montserrat on youtube

[@lorcan2067]

@@ciarancassidy7566 0% of Caribbean in our family

[@muranichanain6027]

@@lorcan2067????

[@lorcan2067]

@@muranichanain6027 he said they sound Caribbean and I said no one in our family is Caribbean we are cousins

[@DonCS]

What an incredibly beautiful film. Thank you for the video and I'm rooting for the lads and the community. Cheers from Germany

[@alexg5513]

The balance of humility, comedic attitude and seriousness is what makes Ireland and the O'Donovans so special. This is what makes me the proudest to be Irish 🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡

[@Mark.G475]

I agree! Mark in Milwaukee Wisconsin 🇺🇸🧀🍻

[@gregbrogan9061]

Yes. And the sense of community...

[@rubitoblondie]

Sums up the reality of proper dedication and understanding of what is needed to succeed. Joyous video, congrats to the makers. Excellent stuff!.

[@steverogers2809]

Has that “Cool runnings” type movie vibe.

[@freyafabulous3323]

This makes me want to move to a small town. The community these people have is just so special.

[@bwebsclips]

What a wonderful video. RED BULL you should be so proud of it. From New Zealand, this is..

[@Mark.G475]

You tube them on Graham Norton there funny! Mark in Milwaukee 🇺🇲🍺

[@dhirajpatel647]

Amzing story ...😄😄😄loved it thanku Red bull we enjoyed the full video every sec was soo good in video ..😄amazingly brought out. 😊

[@Macsuibh]

Beautifully shot and edited! Their Silver medal in Rio was one of those moments I will never forget. Proud to be a Corkman like these two!!

[@sharonmullins1957]

I love this story! I love these guys. Crying, what a wonderful town.

[@pitu3600]

Brilliant film of 2 awesome lads from a supportive and beautiful town. I’d watch a long feature any day!

[@sharonmc5192]

Wonderful film... Love these two lads. I look forward to seeing more of them in future

[@PaulCarterArt]

This awesome and inspiring on so many levels , the power of belief and a family and the community support is needed around the world👍🏼🗝 thanks for sharing the great story for future generations

[@2UP2DOWNX]

So. For some reason this came into my reccomended 2 years later and ím glad.. I'm crying

[@joeylaird77]

Here after the gold medal win 🥇 Fantastic

[@hayleyclarke3583]

I think I’ve watched this video more than 10 times now and it gets better every time! Need to see some more like this

[@muranichanain6027]

Hayley Clarke me too! Never gets old - just a joy to watch and the brothers are bloody hilarious ❤️☘️

[@darealmccoi9780]

I love these guys! I would definitely watch a show centered around these two. Cant wait to see more of them

[@RicardoMatosgoogle]

Fantastic. Beautifully shot and edited. Amazing music too.

[@exhalesolutions]

"The song" at the end is called “Ravens” by Richard Lacy and Sonia Slany You can find it here: us[dot]audionetwork[dot]com/browse/m/track/ravens_120936

[@lucieduval2634]

@@exhalesolutions Thank you SO much

[@godmachine12]

Skibbereen…what an accent that! Absolutely brilliant video. These two lads are national treasures. Love it!

[@Mark.G475]

I'm back again watching this, 4th time! Uplifting, funny and heart warming. There great on Graham Norton. Mark in Milwaukee 🇺🇲🧀🍺

[@redbull]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@niamhneevekinsella7951]

Makes me feel so proud of these lads. Especially because my Mother was from West Cork, they are a particular breed.

[@Donnachain]

This makes me so proud. They are also so funny but I just love the sense of community. Warms my heart. Amazing guys. I laughed so much at 8.03 😂😂

[@diterwinter7277]

Best rowing video ever made!!

[@redbull]

Thanks! 🙌

[@Tara-ix6cj]

Congrats on the Tokyo 2020 gold 🥇👏🎉

[@charliemorrison]

Who in the name of all that's decent voted this down...? This is basically the happiest 13 minutes of video I've ever seen!! Proud to say I went to Skib many years ago - a cracking place, and clearly turns out the best chaps.

[@danetcaymo]

The 2 bronze medalists and their coach 🤣

[@Jeff-jm8nw]

That is one of the best videos I have ever seen! Brilliant story

[@markgalassini8742]

This video is just great and moving. Always makes me feel good to watch it. Milwaukee usa

[@robsmith7567]

This had me crying. Beautiful.

[@DominicMunnellythisistheway]

Please do more with the guys. Just brilliant.

[@Irish-Jesus]

Them boys are pure hero’s of Ireland. I’m 24 and there was tears running down my face watching this video. Come on ireland tfuck 🙌🏻🇮🇪

[@2798cr]

Inspiring! Wonderful boys. How can you watch this and not love them?

[@SeanMillerMOTIVATION]

This is absolutely brilliant! ❤️☘️

[@redbull]

We totally agree! ☘️

[@alaindmystic9876]

SeanMiller MOTIVATION I'm a half Dub, half Sligo man, brought a year to my eyes never lrtbno1 tell u can't with patients and practice do anything see it over & over in all generations

[@shackattack9248]

Im from a family of 5 irish siblings and that line we we're always beating the crap out of each other gave me some funny flashbacks😂😂😂😂😭

[@thesearchfor666]

Looks like something Wes Anderson would create and make into an Oscar-nominated comedy. Brilliant, these two lads.

[@saram4271]

Beautifully filmed, every tiny detail is meaningful, every smile.

[@jimjohns9051]

Great filmmaking. Rolled a tear. Powerful stuff.

[@catrionaaldridge654]

A joy to watch ,Proud to be Irish 💚

[@kaitlinobrien243]

Tears of pride and emotion Thank You!

[@Justme-313]

Can’t love this enough. Good job boys!

[@m93sek]

Great lads, great rowers!

[@rhidiandavies1991]

Jeez this got me all emotional!

[@mikejosh850]

Great piece this and very well edited. Can't believe I am only seeing it now for the first time. Thier story would make for a great full length feature film.

[@vanevain177]

Got here from The Graham Norton Show. Why am I proud to be Irish? I'm not even Irish. These guys are likable and super lovable.

[@dvlslittleangel]

amazing video!! I was hooked right from the start and cried at the end! well done video and well done boys!

[@sarahinsf]

LOVED this video! I see I am not alone in saying I'd totally watch a TV series -- or movie -- with these two! Hilarious and so inspiring! :-) Also putting Skibbereen on my travel wish list, especially as someone 25% Irish :-) Thank you!

[@lyonstea8352]

Wow Great Red bull respect for this!

[@christophemissinne3932]

Talk about the people, the support, hardly mention the years of graft and hard work. Irish mentality through and through.

[@audreyc.6379]

..no forgetting their lovely Mammy🤗

[@MO-sx7re]

Love love this story !!! I cry since the beginning!!! Good for you guys !!! Congratulations

[@quadbravo]

Madderson does nice work. Great flow. Background. Pace changes. Timing. Perfect. Congrats.

[@eibhlin5940]

Such HILARIOUS down to earth guys 👌😄