Irish rowers Sinead Lynch and Claire Lambe had to settle for sixth place in the final of the Lightweight Doubles Sculls in Rio.

Unfortunately, the women’s lightweight double sculls pair found their final a bridge too far, never landing a blow and finishing fifth.

The pair were slow out of the blocks and it was evident that either the physical exertions of reaching the final, the mental release of having done so, or a combination of factors had sapped them of any remaining energy.

To that end, the two days lost to the weather may have been significant, particularly to 39-year-old Lynch.

Less than half an hour to go here in Jennings house @sineadmjenning1 @RowingIreland #Rio2016 pic.twitter.com/dlraeiS1KH

— Harry Walsh (@HarryWalsh65) August 12, 2016

The women’s final was won by the Dutch pair of Ilse Paulis and Maaike Head and they held off the fast-finishing Canadian crew – repeating the 1-2 from Ireland’s semi-final, which again indicates just how far off their best Ireland were today.

But while they will be overshadowed now on a famous day in the annals of Irish sport, it should be remembered that they overachieved in making the final and have placed themselves in elite company by doing so.