Dubliners came together early last December for the All In A Row Liffey Challenge, with the aim of raising funds for RNLI Lifeboats and the Irish Underwater Search & Recovery Unit. The challenge for the rowers and paddlers was to smash a 1,000km target in just eight hours.

Over fifty boats, including skiffs, kayaks, canoes, dragon boats and currachs, took to the River Liffey to complete the challenge. The rowers, paddlers, supporters and sponsors all showed great generosity, and special thanks were given to Dublin Port, Dublin City Council, Google, Poolbeg Yacht & Boat Club, SIPTU painters and Dublin Bay Old Gaffers Association for their valued support.

The event, organised by the All in a Row Challenge Crew, started from St. Patrick’s Rowing Club at the Tom Clarke Bridge (formerly the East Link Bridge). The rowers turned just before the Ha’penny Bridge, rowing back down the river to the Tom Clarke Bridge. This annual challenge is undertaken to showcase the River Liffey as one of Dublin’s best amenities while raising funds for the water-related charities, RNLI Lifeboats and the Irish Underwater Search and Recovery Unit.

The event raised an impressive €20,000 this year for these two rescue charities. The All In A Row Liffey Challenge has become a beloved event in the Dublin community, bringing people together to support important causes while celebrating the city’s beautiful River Liffey.

Dave Kelly, Founder of All in a Row Liffey Challenge, receiving a photo print from the photographer Alan Betson

The All in a Row Crew are Dave Kelly(Chair) - Draiocht Na Life, Philip Murphy -St. Patrick’s Rowing Club, Eoin Gaffney - Phoenix Masters Swimming Club, Mick Curry -Stella Maris Rowing Club, Peter Carey – Phoenix Rowing Club, Richie Nolan – Phoenix Rowing Club, Joe Morrison – East Wall Water Sports Group, Dave Cox – St. Patrick’s Rowing Club, Gerry Coonan – Wild Water Kayak Club, Seamus Hallahan – Dublin Vikings Dragon Boats, Eugene Kierans & Richard Kaye – Irish Underwater Search and Recovery, Rose Michael, Royal National Lifeboat Institution- Howth Lifeboat Station.

On-the-water support was provided by RNLI Dun Laoghaire, Clontarf Yacht & Boat Club, East Wall Water Sports Centre and the Irish Underwater Search & Recovery Unit. The Sea Scouts from 1st Port Dublin and
5th Wicklow (Bray) provided very welcome hot drinks ashore.

The RNLI Water Safety Teams from Howth and Dun Laoghaire were on shore sharing water safety advice and lifejacket information.