An Taoiseach Launches 'Team Power of 1' as Crew Embarks on 5,000km Atlantic Rowing Challenge in Honour of Saoirse O’Driscoll

27th September 2024

An Taoiseach Simon Harris TD, pictured on the steps of Government Buildings with John O’Driscoll, father of Saoirse O’Driscoll who passed away from congenital heart disease (CHD) and his fellow crew members, Conor McCarthy, Enda McNicholas, Roger McMorrow and Daragh Kelly as the five men prepare to undertake and row 5,000 km across the Atlantic in an extraordinary effort to raise funds in Saoirse’s memory

Taoiseach Simon Harris TD, pictured on the steps of Government Buildings with John O’Driscoll, father of Saoirse O’Driscoll who passed away from congenital heart disease (CHD) and his fellow crew members, Conor McCarthy, Enda McNicholas, Roger McMorrow and Daragh Kelly as the five men prepare to undertake and row 5,000 km across the Atlantic in an extraordinary effort to raise funds in Saoirse’s memory. Credit: Robbie Reynolds

Taoiseach Simon Harris TD joined the rowing crew of Team Power of 1 on the steps of Government Buildings as they prepared to undertake a remarkable challenge. The team, consisting of John O’Driscoll, Conor McCarthy, Enda McNicholas, Roger McMorrow, and Daragh Kelly, is set to row 5,000 km across the Atlantic in honour of Saoirse O’Driscoll, who tragically passed away from congenital heart disease (CHD).

Their ambitious journey aims to raise €250,000 for the Children’s Health Foundation and Heart Children Ireland, two organisations dedicated to providing essential medical equipment and lifelong care for children and adults with CHD. The funds generated will support the Heart Centre at Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin.

Simon Harris with John O'Driscoll (45), father of the late Saoirse O'Driscoll (13), and Team Power of 1 —Conor McCarthy (52), Daragh Kelly (54), Enda McNicholas (52), and Roger McMorrow (48) — Team Power of 1 are rowing 5,000 km across the Atlantic in an extraordinary effort to raise funds in Saoirse's memory Photo: Robbie Reynolds

Competing in the World’s Toughest Row, the team will embark on their gruelling 5,000km journey from San Sebastian de La Gomera, Spain, on December 12, 2024, with the finish line set at Nelson’s Dockyard, Antigua, after an estimated 30 days of continuous rowing. Notably, this incredible challenge is entirely self-funded by the determined crew.

For John O’Driscoll, this endeavour holds profound personal significance as he honours his beloved daughter Saoirse through this remarkable feat of strength and endurance.

Published in Coastal Rowing

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rowing

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