The Ó Domhnaill brothers from Gaoth Dobhair, Co Donegal, claimed a fourth consecutive Three Island Challenge title after another dominant performance in Ireland's largest traditional currach race in Skerries.
Simon, Ronan and Michael Ó Domhnaill successfully defended the Denis Guiney Perpetual East Coast Currach Rowing Championship Cup, beating a fleet of 16 crews from across Ireland and overseas. The Donegal crew completed the demanding 6.5km course around Colt, St Patrick's and Shenick Islands in a record time of just over 39 minutes.
Ready To Row — The eventual winners, the Ó Domhnaill brothers from Gaoth Dobhair, Co Donegal, prepare to launch for the Three Island Challenge in Skerries, where they went on to secure a record fourth consecutive victory in Ireland's premier traditional currach race
West Clare Currach Club, rowing na Bhreanach, finished second, while hosts Currachaí na Sceirí secured third in Maedhbh. Chlub Ramhíochta Tullacháin from Mayo was the first all-female crew across the finish line.
Hosted by Currachaí na Sceirí, the Three Island Challenge has become one of the highlights of the Irish currach racing calendar since its revival in 2019, celebrating traditional rowing and Skerries' maritime heritage. "This event continues to go from strength to strength," said Currachaí na Sceirí captain Teddy Otto.
"The standard of racing this year was exceptional, and the Ó Domhnaill brothers once again showed why they are among the finest currach rowers in Ireland, setting a record time of 39 minutes. "But what makes the Three Island Challenge special is the sense of community. Crews travel from all over the country to be here, and the whole town gets behind the event."
Island Challenge — Currach crews battle lively conditions during the Three Island Challenge off Skerries, where competitors raced the demanding 6.5km course around Colt, St Patrick's and Shenick Islands in Ireland's largest traditional currach race
Acting Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Tom O'Leary, joined organisers in presenting the trophies to the winning crews.
Tullacháin Bay, Co Mayo, won gold in the Women's Trebles and Men's Singles. Skerries' Aonghus Lynch took silver in the Men's Singles, with Shane Holland claiming bronze. In the Men's Trebles, Dominic Gilmore, Altan Holland and Shane Holland secured silver, while Teddy Otto, Aonghus Lynch and Finbarr O'Connor won bronze. Madonna and Gerry Jones of Carlingford Lough Currach Club won the Fear agus Bean event.
Competitors praised the hospitality, organisation and volunteer support that helped make another successful Three Island Challenge weekend in Skerries.
