7 hours Ago By [email protected] (Ruairi Scott Byrne)
Late Late Show viewers have heaped praise on a group of five fathers who took on a gruelling 5,000km transatlantic row across the Atlantic to raise money for charity. Tipperary native John O’Driscoll lost his 13-year-old Saoirse after a long battle with illness in April 2024. To honour the memory of his daughter, who tragically passed away from congenital heart disease just days after being placed on the emergency transplant list, John teamed up with Conor McCarthy, Daragh Kelly, Enda McNicholas and Roger McMorrow to take part in the World's TOughest Race, a 5,000km journey across the Atlantic from San Sebastian de La Gomera, Spain to Antigua.
The group set out on the ambitious journey to raise money for the Children’s Health Foundation and Heart Children Ireland, two organisations dedicated to providing essential medical equipment and lifelong care for children and adults with CHD. Both charities played a vital role in Saoirse’s short yet impactful life. Incredibly, the team, who had never rowed competitively before embarking on the gruelling journey, finished in third place after 39 days of rowing across the Atlantic, with the group raising over €460,000 for the two charities.
The crew of Team Power of One were among the guests on Friday night's Late Late Show where they spoke to host Patrick Kielty about their incredible achievement The five men filled viewers in on what daily life was like as they took part in the gruelling challenge and how they were inspired to take on the challenge to honour Saoirse's memory. Speaking about his daugher Saoirse, John said: " She was just absolutely so special. "As a young girl, a very outgoing, happy-go-lucky child, participated like most of the kids in day-to-day activities.
"As she got a little bit older times got a bit tough for her, you know what I mean. She had been through surgery at a very young age, at 6 months old, and she was pretty hardened to life in so many ways. "She had been exposed to so many things but in the 13 years we had with Saoirse I could safely say that.
" John continued: " She did open my eyes to life, family life especially, about being there and being present. "She’s absolutely, truly a wonderful child and, blessed to have the 13 years we had with her, but completely devastated that she’s no longer with us." Those watching on from home were moved to tears by the John's powerful story, with viewers hailing the group as an inspiration for their incredible achievement.
"Inspirational," said Fianna Fail TD S hane Moynihan, while another person said: " Chopping onions lads, I swear." Another person said: " Saoirse was her Dads superhero but tonight her Dad is one. What he has done in her memory is nothing short of awe inspiring.
So beautiful to see." Join the Irish Mirror’s breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive breaking news and the latest headlines direct to your phone.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice .
.
