Ireland’s leading maritime newspaper covering the Coastal, Fishing and Maritime Communities

MARINE TIMES NEWS January 20th:
Arranmore mum and sons set their sights on world’s toughest row

Mum Sharon and her two sons, Evan and Glenn O’Donnell are taking on The World’s Toughest Row to challenge themselves against the power of Mother Nature and raise money for the RNLI.

The World’s Toughest Row is a 3,000-mile endurance challenge across the Atlantic, from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Antigua in the Caribbean. The O’Donnell trio will row continuously for around 40-60+ days, facing relentless waves, isolation, and the unforgiving force of the ocean.

Speaking of the daunting task Sharon O’Donnell says; “As proud Gaeilgeoirí, we wanted an Irish team name to celebrate our identity, language and heritage. We chose the team name 'Trasna na dTonnta' - meaning 'Across the Waves' in Irish - as it reflects who we are and the journey ahead. Taken from a traditional Gaeltacht song, the name carries the Irish language and seafaring spirit across the Atlantic, representing resilience, connection, and the idea that identity travels with us.

“As ordinary people, we want to prove that with determination, teamwork, and belief, anyone can achieve the extraordinary. Your possibilities are only as limited as your imagination, and ours is set on the open ocean. Living on the northwest coast of Ireland, the sea has always been a central part of our lives. We know its beauty, its power, and the profound respect it demands.”

Sharon has crossed oceans as a sailor before, but is now ready to take on the ultimate challenge—rowing across it. Glenn, a dedicated sportsman, couldn’t resist joining his mum on this incredible adventure, while Evan, who grew up fishing, shares the same deep respect for the sea. Both Sharon and Evan volunteer as seagoing crew with the local RNLI All-Weather Lifeboat, witnessing firsthand the vital, ongoing work and costs it takes to save lives at sea.

As a family, they’ve chosen to row in support of the RNLI, raising vital funds to help save lives at sea. They would love for you to follow their journey, cheer them on, and join them in making a difference - one stroke at a time.

What is the Worlds Toughest Row?

The World’s Toughest is an extreme endurance challenge where teams row 3,000 miles unsupported across the Atlantic Ocean, from the La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Antigua. Crews face relentless weather, powerful waves, sleep deprivation, and total isolation at sea for 40–60+ days, relying entirely on themselves to survive and succeed. Widely regarded as one of the toughest endurance events in the world, it tests resilience, teamwork, and determination to the absolute limit.

For more info and how to donate visit: trasna-na-dtonnta.ie

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