City council honours Damian Browne at civic reception

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galway daily news damian browne honoured by city council
Proud Mammy, Mary kisses Damian Browne as father Joe looks on at a Civic Reception for the adventurer, held in the Salthill Hotel, organised by Galway City Council. Photo:Andrew Downes, XPOSURE

A Civic Reception was held by Galway City Council on Monday to celebrate the outstanding achievements of Galway rower Damian Browne.

Mayor of Galway City, Cllr Clodagh Higgins, acknowledged Damian’s achievements, notably his arrival into Galway in October after travelling more than 3,450 nautical miles across the Atlantic.

Damien’s journey took over 2,696 hours, and he became the first man to row from New York to Galway.

In the final hours of his epic 112-day journey, the weather forced Damian ashore in precarious circumstances on the rocks at Furbo Beach.

Damian immediately called Chris Martin, his land support officer, who in turn contacted the relevant emergency services who mobilised immediately.

The journey, which was entitled Project Empower, was part of a fundraising effort for four charitable organisations: National Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation, Ability West, Madra and The Galway Simon Community.