Pull Like a Dog

A superb sports documentary

Irish Examiner

Inspiring stuff. Packed with comedy moments while a fascinating look into how the O’Donovan Brothers deal with pain. Another outstanding documentary from RTE.

Balls.ie

One of the most revealing and insightful portraits of any athletes in years.

Evening Herald

2016, 54 minutes, RTÉ

In August 2016 Gary and Paul O’Donovan, two young rowers from West Cork, came 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. With catch phrases like ‘Pull Like A Dog’ and ‘Shteak and Shpuds’ these two young men have succeeded in warming the hearts of a nation.

This special one-hour documentary follows the O’Donovan brothers as they return to their parish of Lisheen and Skibbereen rowing club in the aftermath of their success.

We spend time in their home, on the beautiful river Ilen and inside their small club, which has become the most successful club in Irish rowing history. While getting to know Paul (22) and Gary (23) we get a glimpse inside this minority sport and an understanding as to what it takes to achieve such success on water. We also get to meet their wonder coach Dominic Casey as we figure out whats in the water in Skibbereen. How has this small rural club achieve such success under his watch?

A Wildfire Films Production for RTÉ.

Credits

Stills – Inpho/Sportsfile

Executive Producer – Martha O’Neill
Executive Producer, RTE – Niamh O’Connor
Co-Producer – Rory Lorton

Director of Photography – Barry Donnellan

Editor – Brenda Morrissey

Producer/Director – Adrian McCarthy

IFTA 2018, Nominated, Best Sports Programme

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