Lucan Sarsfield GAA Club are hosting a huge fundraising event this Saturday 28th September from 9am to 4pm in memory of a 13 year old girl called Saoirse from Lucan who tragically passed away from heart disease in April. It would be superb if you had a photographer available to cover the story.
Saoirse’s Dad and four friends (Team Power of 1) are rowing 5000km across the Atlantic Ocean starting in December, they are fundraising for Heart Children Ireland and Crumlin Hospital. To date they have raised €124,000 and the target is €250,000.
A heartbroken father and four friends are preparing to take on the challenge of a lifetime by rowing almost 5,000 kilometres across the Atlantic in memory of his daughter. The Challenge Team Power of 1 is competing in the World’s Toughest Row, a gruelling 5,000km journey across the Atlantic where teams from all over the globe come together to take on the mighty Atlantic. On the 12th December 2024, the race will start from San Sebastian de La Gomera, Spain and will finish in Nelson’s Dockyard, Antigua after approximately 30 days of continuous rowing. This challenge is being entirely self-funded by the 5 person team. The team is comprised of John O’Driscoll, Conor McCarthy, Daragh Kelly, Enda McNicholas, and Roger McMorrow. The team has set an ambitious goal of raising €250,000 for charities that provide vital services to children all over Ireland.
For one of these men, John, this challenge holds profound personal significance as he is rowing in memory of his beloved daughter Saoirse. About Saoirse Saoirse O’Driscoll, born in December 2010 with complex congenital heart disease (CHD), during her lifetime she underwent multiple surgeries, including open-heart surgery at six months. CHD impacted every aspect of her life, requiring oxygen support and countless procedures & tests. Despite this, Saoirse faced her illness bravely and was deeply grateful for life. Saoirse was a radiant, wise, funny, kind and compassionate soul who made it her mission to help others. During her short life Saoirse became a passionate advocate and fundraiser for charities that support children with CHD helping her parents to raise over €460,000. Saoirse’s initiatives include a hugely successful annual calendar starring CHD children and competing in the Dublin Marathon where her father pushed her wheelchair for the entire race.
Saoirse passed away on 16th April 2024 at only 13 years of age just days after being accepted onto the emergency transplant list to receive a new heart; a lifeline that heartbreakingly, came too late for her. Saoirse left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her. Her legacy of kindness, strength, and compassion continues to inspire. John affectionately called Saoirse his “Superhero” for the way she faced her battle with CHD: resilient, brave, and full of grace. For him, navigating the unpredictable, stormy waters of the Atlantic is a way to mirror Saoirse’s struggles that so many other children with CHD face with quiet courage every day. This row is John’s tribute to his daughter; a profound act of love and dedication to honour her short but beautiful life. Saoirse’s legacy is one of compassion, generosity, empathy and now the critical importance of organ donation awareness. Continuing her legacy is a mission the O’Driscoll family, their extended families, and many friends have committed themselves to. They are fully dedicated to making a lasting impact in her name, providing hope to families of children with CHD and raising vital funds to support those in need.
The Charity Partners The charity partners chosen to benefit from this challenge are Heart Children Ireland and the Children’s Heart Centre at Crumlin Hospital. Both of these organisations played a significant role in helping Saoirse to live as best a life as possible. Through this row, Saoirse’s light continues to shine, guiding their mission to bring awareness, compassion, and support to those facing similar battles. www.heartchildren.ie Children’s Heart Centre (CHC) | Children’s Health Ireland (childrenshealthireland.ie) The Story Behind the Row In late 2022, five friends, none of whom had ever rowed before, made the bold decision to take on the World’s Toughest Row. Their mission wasn’t just about personal achievement but about making a meaningful impact by raising €250,000 for children’s charities in Ireland, and creating a legacy that would touch the lives of countless children.
Following Saoirse’s passing, John, his wife Aoife, and their son Riain were faced with a heart-wrenching decision: should they continue with the Atlantic row? After deep reflection, and with the support of family, friends, and his rowing team, John decided to press on in Saoirse’s name. This transatlantic row is no longer just a personal test of endurance; it has become a deeply emotional tribute to their daughter, who brought light into their lives and everyone she met. Once John expressed his will to continue his fellow crew approached him and said they wanted to make the journey about Saoirse to honour her legacy. “They came to me and said we need to refocus here and make it about Saoirse. They really are a rock solid bunch of guys. They rallied behind me. Now we want to try and make a difference for other children in memory of her. We want to do as much as we can for those charities, to help other young children living with CHD.”
How You Can Support The team is actively seeking corporate sponsorships, individual donations, and opportunities to share their story across media platforms. Let’s unite behind Team POWER of ONE and help them reach their goal—bringing hope and support to children like Saoirse, whose courage and spirit continue to inspire us all.
