Rower comes ashore near Galway after epic solo voyage

A solo voyage across the Atlantic ended in the early hours of this morning, when rower Damian Browne came ashore near Galway.

The former rugby player got into difficulties as he neared Galway Port, where he was due to dock later this morning.

His vessel, Cushlamachree, came ashore on rocks at Na Forbacha, shortly before 1am.

Emergency services were mobilised and gardaí from An Spidéal, Indreabhán and Carna helped bring Mr Browne to safety.

It marked the end of a 16-week journey, which began when Mr Browne and his friend Fergus Farrell embarked from New York on the voyage eastwards.

Health concerns led to Mr Farrell being airlifted from the vessel some weeks later, with his friend continuing the voyage on his own.

A planned homecoming event is to proceed later this morning at Galway Harbour.

Mr Browne is said to be in good spirits after 112 days at sea, which saw him travel over 3,000 nautical miles since June.

He has become the first person to complete the row.

So close. @auld__stock boat at Furbo beach this morning. pic.twitter.com/d4QYG0qyUJ

Speaking ahead of the journey, which began in New York on 14 June, the former Connacht and Leinster forward said that taking on this challenge was the adventure of a lifetime and a huge test of physical and mental strength and resilience.

MacDara Hosty is one of the organisers of the project and said: "Damian had spent almost 16 weeks at sea, fighting Mother Nature every step of the way and eventually in the last hours of this epic, unforgiving undertaking Mother Nature had her way and forced Damian ashore in precarious circumstances on the rocks at Furbo Beach, Galway.

"While gutted not to have made it to the Port Of Galway, Damian is now reunited with his family, is in good spirits and is