Galway City Council held a civic reception to honour oarsman, Damian Browne, following his record-breaking row from New York to Furbo in October 2022.
Browne crash landed onto a beach in Furbo shortly after midnight on October 4, following severe winds which pushed his boat, Cushlamachree, off the planned route. After 112 days at sea, Browne’s achievement has gone down in history books with him being the first man to row from New York to Galway.
The civic reception was held on January 23, celebrating Browne’s achievements in the world of sports and beyond. The Mayor of Galway, Councillor Clodagh Higgins, acknowledged Browne’s achievement, including travelling 3,450 nautical miles over 2,696 hours across the Atlantic Ocean.
Speaking about the honour, Mayor Clodagh Higgins said, “It takes a particular type of person to see a death-defying challenge with nature, and to seriously consider taking it on. It takes an even more special person to complete it successfully. Damian Browne is one such person... Damian continues to inspire and motivate us, in both his career as an extreme adventurer and peak performance athlete, and also as an international keynote speaker.” The Mayor acknowledged Damian’s role as an ambassador for Galway, and wished him and his family continued success, health, happiness and contentment in future.
The Mayor and the members of the Procedures Committee of Galway City Council may decide from time to time to accord a Civic Reception to persons, organisations or associations to mark an occasion of significant importance, or to recognise the achievements and service of individuals or groups. Mayor Clodagh Higgins noted that Damian Browne is no doubt deserving of this honour and recognition for his achievements to date.
