A team of five Irish fathers are now more than two weeks into their epic challenge to row across the Atlantic in honour of one of their daughters, who died earlier this year from congenital heart disease (CHD).
As previously reported on Afloat.ie, the team of John O’Driscoll, Conor McCarthy, Enda McNicholas, Roger McMorrow and Daragh Kelly — collectively known as Team Power of 1 — are rowing the 4,800km from Spain to Antigua to raise funds for the Children’s Health Foundation and Heart Children Ireland.
Both organisations are dedicated to providing essential medical equipment and lifelong care for children and adults with CHD.
Team Power of 1 set off from the Canary Islands on 11 December for the arduous transatlantic rowing challenge
The funds raised will support the Heart Centre at Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin, which was instrumental in the care of John’s daughter Saoirse O’Driscoll, who died in April 2024 at the age of just 13.
John and his team, who had no previous rowing experience, began training two years ago for their participation in the World’s Toughest Row, the more than month-long challenge that sees a fleet of the hardiest crews putting oars into the water across the North Atlantic.
And according to the latest race tracker, the team are fourth overall — and first among the fives class — with approximately half the total distance covered since they departed the Canary Islands on 11 December.
Speaking of the inspiration for their efforts, John says: “My daughter Saoirse was a vibrant 13-year-old girl full of life and passion. She was born with a complex heart condition. In many ways, day-to-day life for Saoirse was like an Atlantic crossing, fraught with unknowns and stormy conditions. The things that most of us take for granted were daily challenges for Saoirse.
John O’Driscoll and his teammates are rowing in honour of his daughter Saoirse, who died from congenital heart disease aged just 13
“Although Saoirse had many struggles that most of us will never have to deal with, she lived her life to the fullest from the beginning. She loved school and her teachers. She had many hobbies over her short life including gymnastics, dancing, yoga, swimming, art, baking, video making, playing the bodhran and even tried out trapeze after watching The Greatest Showman many times.
“Saoirse never let her illness hold her back. She was a kind and thoughtful young girl who always considered others and how she might help them. I always told her that she was my superhero, and I would like to do something inspirational in her name. Saoirse inspired me every day of her short life.”
For more on Team Power of 1, their race progress and how to contribute to their fundraising efforts, see the iDonate page HERE.
