The Team: Trasna na dTonnta

 We are an Irish family team from Arranmore Island, Co. Donegal—Mum Sharon and her two sons, Evan and Glenn—taking on

 The World’s Toughest Row to challenge ourselves against the power of Mother Nature.

The World’s Toughest Row is a 3,000-mile endurance challenge across the Atlantic, from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Antigua in the Caribbean. We will row continuously for around 40-60+ days, facing relentless waves, isolation, and the unforgiving force of the ocean.

As proud Gaeilgeoirí, we wanted an Irish team name to celebrate our identity, language and heritage. We chose the team name 

'Trasna na dTonnta' - meaning 'Across the Waves' in Irish - as it reflects who we are and the journey ahead. Taken from a traditional Gaeltacht song, the name carries the Irish language and seafaring spirit across the Atlantic, representing resilience, connection, and the idea that identity travels with us.  

As ordinary people, we want to prove that with determination, teamwork, and belief, anyone can achieve the extraordinary. Your possibilities are only as limited as your imagination, and ours is set on the open ocean. Living on the northwest coast of Ireland, the sea has always been a central part of our lives. We know its beauty, its power, and the profound respect it demands.

Mum Sharon has crossed oceans as a sailor before, but is now ready to take on the ultimate challenge—rowing across it. Glenn, a dedicated sportsman, couldn’t resist joining his mum on this incredible adventure, while Evan, who grew up fishing, shares the same deep respect for the sea. Both Sharon and Evan volunteer as seagoing crew with the local RNLI All-Weather Lifeboat, witnessing firsthand the vital, ongoing work and costs it takes to save lives at sea. 

As a family, we’ve chosen to row in support of the RNLI, raising vital funds to help save lives at sea. We’d love for you to follow our journey, cheer us on, and join us in making a difference - one stroke at a time.