5 Irish Dads win bronze in the World’s Toughest Row

Five Irish fathers have achieved an extraordinary feat, rowing 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean to honour the memory of Saoirse O’Driscoll, the late daughter of team member John O’Driscoll.

Saoirse tragically passed away in April 2024 at just 13 years old from congenital heart disease just days after being placed on the emergency transplant list.

Credit: World’s Toughest Row

Competing as Team Power of One, the group set off from La Gomera, Canary Islands on December 11th, and completed their gruelling journey to Antigua as part of ‘The World’s Toughest Row’.

Credit: World’s Toughest Row

Battling relentless waves, squalls, a Saharan sandstorm, blisters upon blisters, sleep deprivation and physical exhaustion, not to mention the mental strain of 39 days at sea, the team emerged victorious in several categories.

They finished:

• First in the five-rower category
• Third in the all-men’s category
• Third overall in all boats

Their monumental effort was dedicated to raising funds for Heart Children Ireland and the Children’s Heart Centre at CHI Crumlin, two organisations that supported Saoirse during her life.

The finish line in Antigua was the scene of heartfelt celebration and remembrance.

Greeted by family, friends, locals, and event organisers, the team lit flares in honour of their journey and in memory of Saoirse, whom they called the “sixth member” of their team.

John O’Driscoll, holding a flare aloft for his daughter broke down in tears during the emotional tribute.

Upon stepping ashore, the team—wobbling from weeks at sea—was embraced by their wives and children in a moving reunion that marked the end of an extraordinary journey of resilience, love, and determination.

“This wasn’t just about crossing an ocean,” said John O’Driscoll.

“This was for Saoirse, for her memory, and for every family who needs the support of these incredible charities.

“The Power of One is about what we can achieve together, even in the face of the greatest challenges.”

The team:

John O’Driscoll – Father of Saoirse who died last April age 13. Lives in Dublin originally from Clonmel, Co Tipperary

Conor McCarthy – originally from Cork living in Dublin

Daragh Kelly- from Dublin. Captain of the team

Enda McNicholas – from Dublin

Roger McMorrow – from Belfast, lives and works in Dublin. Roger is Clinical Director at the National Maternity Hospital.

The Mission

To raise €500,000 for children born with congenital heart disease (CHD).

Charity partners: Heart Children Ireland heartchildren.ie and the Children’s Heart Centre at Crumlin Hospital @childrens health foundation

100% of funds raised will go to these two charities. The row is self-funded meaning the team are covering all costs associated with the challenge.

To date the team have fundraised €430,600 and need the support of the public and corporates to help them reach their goal of half a million.

How to help

Donate: idonate.ie/fundraiser/teampowerof1