“An Irishman has become the first person ever to row from New York to Galway after 112 days at sea.
Former professional rugby player Damian Browne came ashore on the rocks at Furbo Beach, just short of The Port Of Galway this morning and recieved a hero’s welcome from friends, family and wellwishers.
Mr Browne started the adventure, titled Project Empower, in Manhattan on Tuesday, June 14 at 3.10am.
Speaking this afternoon on RTÉ’s News At One, Mr Browne said the entire challenge was a “fight” from start to finish and he is glad to have his feet on “solid ground”.
He said it was a “special moment” to finally reach Galway and see his family and friends.
“I was alone since day 13 and it took 112 days so yeah, 99 days. You’ve got to appreciate and enjoy your own company to take on ocean rowing at the best of times even if you do it with somebody,” he said.
“The solitude wasn’t actually something that I found very testing because I’m that type of person, I do take energy from being in my own company, it’s more the difficulties I faced with the conditions.”
