The parents of Irish Olympic rower Sinead Jennings have thanked their neighbours and friends for helping to “soften the blow’ of their daughter not winning a medal at the Rio Olympics.
Sinead, 39, and partner Claire Lambe, came home in last place in today’s lightweight women’s double sculls when there had been hopes they might have snatched a medal.
The 39 year old Co Donegal woman’s father Michael admitted that himself and wife Theresa were disappointed for Sinead that she did not get a medal.
However, a party organised by neighbours and friends at their home in Hawthorn Heights in Letterkenny was a huge help, he said.
Sinead’s mum and dad Michael and Theresa generously opened their home to the entire town and it appeared that most of the 16,000 population of Letterkenny accepted the invite.
Dad Mick admitted “We’re just a small bit disappointed that she didnt get the medal. It was a wonderful feeling to see her row out there with the world’s best.
“The fact that so many here in the house to support us has softened the blow,” he said.
And Sinead’s mum Theresa also echoed her husband’s sentiments.
“It’s just that she went up so much and you can’t help but hope and then be a wee bit disappointed. It’s just been great watching it here with our neighbours and friends.
“I would have been sad if it had have been just myself and Michael but we have such a back-up now that it’s great.”
Despite coming sixth in the race, there were huge cheers in the family’s home as neighbours made tea and brought in cakes and sandwiches.
Neighbour Deirdre Duffy said despite the outcome, Sinead will always be an Olympian.
“Of course we’re disappointed but for Sinead to go to the Olympics in the first place and to fulfil that dream is just incredible.
“We can’t wait to see her again when she comes home. She’ll always be a winner in our eyes.”
Sinead’s sister Catriona, who ran for Ireland in the marathon at the Olympic Games in Atlanta in 2012, was also at the family home.
“She might be disappointed now but I think when she goes away and cool down she will realise it is an achievement and she still finished sixth in the Olympics.
“To make the final was a fantastic achievement and anything she got today was a bonus and she will be very proud and so will Claire Lambe,” said Catriona.
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