Noel Lambe says he is thrilled to have been able to see his daughter claim an Olympic medal.
Eimear Lambe was part of the women's four-team that won bronze after a dramatic finale to last night's final.
Ireland - with Lambe, Aifric Keogh, Fiona Murtagh and Emily Hegarty on board - finished strongly to edge their way into third.
Speaking on this morning's OTB AM, Noel said there was excitement as the family watched Ireland power home.
"It was very exciting, very exciting," he said.
"I think the way the race went they were struggling a little bit at one stage,"
"They were fifth, the gold and silver had been pretty well decided so to come back from where they were to grab the bronze was a tremendous effort from the girls and showed the way they were able to hold it together, knowing what they had to do and they did it."
Our Olympic Medalists!
First female athletes to win an Olympic Medal in rowing for Ireland 🥉🥉🥉🥉
History has been made by this incredible crew 👏👏#wearerowingireland pic.twitter.com/QIsVMX09jE— Rowing Ireland (@RowingIreland) July 28, 2021
Watching with friends at Commerical Rowing Club, where Eimear started her career, Noel says they were able to speak to her after the race.
"We spoke to her soon after the race, it was great to be able to talk to her for a few minutes.
"She's very excited and we're looking forward now to seeing her home."
Experience
A native of Cabra in Dublin, Eimear is part of a family steeped in rowing.
Her sister, Claire, was an Olympian in 2016 when she, alongside Sinead Lynch, reached the double sculls final.
"Eimear has three sisters and they all rowed," Noel explained.
He added that Claire was a good role model for her siblings as they aspired to achieve in the sport.
"Claire would have been a good example of how to knuckle down and how to deal with the adversity that comes along.
"You have your moments in the sun I suppose if you're fortunate enough to get on the podium, but there are more downs than ups, like with any sport, certainly at that level."
Given the relatively young age profile of the crew - with Eimear just 23 - Noel says they have the potential to win again in the future.
"They are a crew that seem to gel together as personalities," he observed.
"It is very important if you are going to stick around and keep at it, that's an important factor for the future.
"I'm very happy for her and for the rest of the girls, that all the work they put in is giving them the moment they are having."
The crew is expected to return home at the weekend.
Indeed are proud to support Team Ireland at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Indeed believes the world works better when people are given every opportunity to unleash their true talents. #TalentUnleashed
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
