Tipperary father completes incredible Atlantic journey in memory of his daughter

A Clonmel man who completed a dangerous challenge of rowing across the Atlantic in memory of his late daughter Saoirse said he felt she was with him all of the way.

John O’Driscoll was one of five Irish fathers to achieve the extraordinary feat of rowing 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean to honour the memory of  Saoirse O'Driscoll who 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.

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.
They raised €430,000 for charity and finished first in the five-rower category, third in the all-men’s category and third overall in all boats.

Competing as Team Power of One, the group set off from La Gomera, Canary Islands on December 11, and completed their gruelling journey to Antigua as part of ‘The World’s Toughest Row’ after 39 days at sea.
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.
“This wasn’t just about crossing an ocean,” said John O’Driscoll.

INCREDIBLE CHARITIES
“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,” said John who is from Highfield Grove and is now based in Dublin,

Looking back on his journey, John said: “It was mixed emotions after rowing an ocean, being focused every day, just rowing, eating, sleeping. There was a sense of trepidation and fear of going back to land to face life after Saoirse’s passing.”
“We said if we could make a difference to one child’s life out of this, it’s worth it. Everything is worth it. It was an amazing experience, a great, wonderful experience.”
“When you talk about Saoirse, we firmly felt she was the sixth member on the boat. She was with us every day, driving us forward. When times got difficult, when the sandstorms came in, when the waters got stuck, we remembered why we were there.
“Our kids, Saoirse — move forward, keep going, and never stop,” said John.