FIVE rowing crews are expected to be sent to Tokyo 2020 and all the top athletes training in Cork for the Olympic Games will receive two new boats each in order to prepare for the competition.

Rowing Ireland in Cork received €240,000 for new equipment in preparation for Tokyo next year, thanks to funding announced yesterday from the Sports Capital Programme.

Rowing Ireland was awarded €90,000 for the Olympic and Paralympic Games and another €150,000 for preparations.

Paul and Gary O’Donovan along with Sanita Pušpure and a number of other athletes have received two boats each in order to be able to send one boat to Tokyo two to three months in advance of the games as required and still train on the other.

CEO of Rowing Ireland Michelle Carpenter said they were thrilled to have the new boats at the National Rowing Centre in Farran. “It will make a massive difference,” she said.

They sent two crews to Rio in 2016 and next year they are hoping to send five crews to the Olympic games.

“With five crews we need extra resources and without a major sponsor it is very important that Sporting Ireland help fill that gap.”