Paralympian and Amputee Shane McLoughlin broke his 6th world record this morning, Saturday, February 14, with a 5 meter pull of the 120 tonne Saoirse na Farraige, Aran Island Ferries largest vessel.
At 11.05am, Shane crossed the 5 metre line to secure his 6th world record by successfully pulling the largest passenger-only ferry vessel registered in Irish waters.
Saoirse na Farraige at Rossaveel Harbour in Connemara on the Wild Atlantic Way. Weighing 120 tonnes and measuring 40 meters wide and 9 metres long, this brings to six the number of world records for vessel and truck pulls held by the Monaghan Paralympian.
Shane McLoughlin was supported by 7 year old Galway Girl, Katie Walsh from Tuam. Katie lost her leg at the age of 3 in a lawnmower accident at her home. She too has a determined personality and outlook, is an avid camogie player, and also takes dancing classes.
Shane’s first pull in 2024 was an 18 tonne truck. This led to increased ambition with three back-to-back world records that year and in 2025. This morning in Rossaveel, Shane broke his most recent world record of 40 tonnes.
“This is fantastic. I was focused, and as always, it’s mind over matter. I believed I could achieve a successful pull of the fabulous 120 tonne Saoirse na Farraige passenger ferry vessel”, Shane said.
“This is success for all Amputees and people with disabilities all over the world. I want to encourage them to believe in themselves and strive for more.”
“I dedicate the world record to my beautiful daughter Jessica and to local 7 year old Galway Girl Katie Walsh, who joined me at the 5 metre line this morning.”
Shane thanked the team and crew of Aran Island Ferries for supporting his dream. He also gave a big thank you to young Katie Walsh for supporting him across the line.
Together they agree that it is important to maintain “mind of matter and everything in life is possible,” says Shane.
The Saoirse na Farraige will rest in Rossaveel Harbour before relocating to Galway City Docks on Thursday, April, when it will recommence its daily Galway City to Inis Mór and the Cliffs of Moher cruise for the summer season.
The other 4 boats in the Aran Island Ferries fleet continue to sail from Rossaveal Harbour to all three of the Aran Islands, Inis Mór, Inis Meáin and Inis Oirr year round.
