THE SOLO Irish rower who last week completed a record-breaking crossing of the Atlantic was driven slightly off-course on his return home when his plane was diverted because of the volcanic ash cloud.
Seán McGowan, who last week became the first Irish-based oarsman to row the Atlantic Ocean unassisted, arrived back at Cork airport yesterday.
Despite his achievement, his wife Lorraine made it clear that plenty of work awaited him at home to make up for his four-month absence.
McGowan rowed into English Harbour in Antigua last week to a rousing reception.
The 42-year-old was originally to arrive in Shannon airport at lunchtime yesterday but flight cancellations resulted in the homecoming being diverted to Cork.
Visibly tired after his 118-day exertion, McGowan was delighted to be reunited with his wife and four children, and said he was looking forward to life’s simple luxuries – a haircut, plenty of food and rest. “I am emotional – very emotional. It is great to be home.”
Lorraine, who kept his morale up with calls and texts to his satellite phone, said; “It is lovely . I have a list of jobs lined up for him. I knew he would do it, in fairness.”
She said the most worrying thing was that he was on his own.
"The next boat that we will be leaving on a voyage on will have QE2on the side of it!"
It has been over 118 days since he left La Gomera in the Canary Islands in his little boat Tess.
His brother Tom and sisters Bridget and Donna were among the Irish contingent who flew to Antigua to greet him.
McGowan’s efforts were geared towards raising funds through sponsorship for the South African-based Soweto Connection, with the aim of providing a nutrition centre in the townships.
The journey was 2,500 nautical miles, during which he lost 24kg (53lbs) in weight.
The Dell manager started out from La Gomera on January 4th, with 29 other boats in the Woodvale Ocean Rowing Race.
However, his chances of actually winning the race were over within a fortnight when a freak wave damaged his boat. He spent the remainder of the voyage nursing his boat across the Atlantic.