Galway’s very own Hercules makes history

Damian Browne first person to row from New York to Galway

A STAGGERING 112 days at sea, Damian Browne’s feet touched land again at Furbo Beach just before 1am yesterday morning.

He became the first person to row from New York to Galway in doing so, travelling across high seas and 3,450 nautical miles. Browne is also the only person to row the Atlantic Ocean both ways and scale Mount Everest.

The former Connacht and Leinster rugby player had hoped to row into the Port of Galway and land in The Docks at 11am on Tuesday. Mother Nature had a different plan for Browne, but she didn’t stop the homecoming being held regardless.

Browne and his boat Cushlamachree were forced into the rocks at Furbo Beach by the inclement conditions. The emergency services were on the scene promptly, with three members of An Garda Síochána finding Browne and helping him safely ashore …

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