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The event is the brainchild of Bray-based maritime enthusiast Ger Crowley.
Challenge

Here's why 20 rowers are circumnavigating Ireland

The crew, featuring participants of mixed ability and experience, set off on 30 May.

Updated at 23.20

20 IRISH ROWERS are currently undertaking a daunting challenge in which they attempt to circumnavigate the country.

The event, which aims to raise funds for Cystic Fibrosis Ireland, involves a 15ft self-built skiff by a crew of 20 rowers.

The Row-A-Round Ireland crew, featuring rowers of mixed ability and experience, set off on 30 May, with crews of two oarsmen/women at a time rowing in relays.

The rowers stop at 50 designated points, with the team allotted 120 days to complete the challenge.

All funds raised will go towards fighting cystic fibrosis, a fatal genetic disease that affects approximately 1 in 1600 births in Ireland — the country with the highest incidence of CF in the developed world.

boat

‘Row-A-Round Ireland’, which is sponsored by Lyons Tea, is the brainchild of Bray-based maritime enthusiast Ger Crowley, who admits completing the challenge will be a formidable task.

“It’s an ambitious project, a journey of almost 1000 nautical miles, and the main objective is to safely row an open 15ft timber skiff around the island,” he says. “Each two-person crew will contribute 100 miles towards the overall voyage over a period of a week or so, rowing on average up to 20 miles per day, so it’s a big ask for all our volunteers.

“Having passed the halfway mark in Lahinch towards the end of July, we are now moving to tackle the south-east of Ireland. We’re not alone though — only last Friday we crossed paths with David Burns and Maghnus Collins, two Irishmen attempting to swim around Ireland, as we rowed into Bunavalla Harbour, Co. Kerry. With both teams circumnavigating Ireland’s coastline in opposite directions, it was great to meet in person and share some war stories from our travels.”

The rowers will be assisted by a shore-based crew and cover boats that will accompany the main boat on some of the more challenging legs.

The team is also relying on local community support, in the form of food, accommodation and advice.

To donate to Cystic Fibrosis Ireland simply text ROW4CF to 50300 to donate €4 or to get in touch with the crew in relation to the challenge visit www.rowaroundireland.com.

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