Paralympian and amputee Shane Mc Loughlin set a sixth world record on Saturday morning, completing a five-metre pull of the 120-tonne Aran Island Ferries vessel, Saoirse na Farraige, at Ros a Mhíl Harbour in Connemara.
At 11.05am on February 14, Valentine’s Day, McLoughlin crossed the five-metre line, successfully pulling what is described as the largest passenger-only ferry vessel registered in Irish waters. The Saoirse na Farraige, part of the Aran Island Ferries fleet, weighs 120 tonnes and measures 40 metres wide and nine metres long.
The Monaghan athlete’s latest achievement brings to six the number of world records he holds for vessel and truck pulls. His first pull in 2024 was an 18-tonne truck, a feat that led to increased ambition and three back-to-back world records that year and into 2025. Saturday’s event saw him surpass his most recent world record of 40 tonnes.
McLoughlin was supported as he crossed the five-metre line by seven-year-old Galway girl Katie Walsh from Tuam, Co Galway. Katie lost her leg at the age of three in a lawnmower accident at her home. Described as having a determined personality and outlook on life, she is an avid camogie player and also takes dancing classes.
The captain of the Aran Island Ferries fleet, members of the crew and a large audience gathered at Ros a Mhíl Harbour to cheer McLoughlin on during the attempt.
“This is fantastic, I was focused, and as always its mind over matter, I believed I could achieve a successful pull of the fabulous 120-tonne Saoirse na Farraige passenger ferry vessel,” said McLoughlin.
“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 five metre line this morning.”
He thanked the team and crew of Aran Island Ferries for supporting his bid, as well as Katie Walsh for supporting him across the line. “Mind over matter and everything in life is possible,” he said.
Aran Island Ferries said it was “delighted to have supported Shane McLoughlin today in his successful bid for a 6th world title with Saoirse na Farraige, the company’s largest vessel, serving as a fitting symbol of the scale and significance of the challenge undertaken at Ros a Mhíl Harbour in Connemara.”
