The Ó Domhnaill brothers from Gaoth Dobhair have again claimed victory in Ireland’s largest traditional currach race, the 2025 Three Island Challenge, held this weekend in the Dublin town of Skerries.

Battling a field of 19 boats and over 60 crew members, the trio of Simon, Ronan and Michael Ó Domhnaill were first across the finish line on Saturday afternoon, taking home the Denis Guiney Perpetual Cup, first awarded in Skerries in 1959.

Second place went to Kilrush Currach Rowing Club, racing in Na Breathnaigh, while local pride was secured by Currachaí na Sceirí, whose team in Meabh took third.

The first all female crew to cross the finish line was the team from Tullaghan Bay Rowing Club in Erris, Co. Mayo, made up of Kathleen Doocey, Emma Gaughan and Lorraine Keane. The club, founded on the salmon fishing heritage of Tullaghan Bay, combines currach and coastal rowing and has become a beacon for traditional maritime sports in the West.

The Three Island Challenge, hosted by Currachaí na Sceirí, is a 7km currach race that circles Colt, St. Patrick’s and Shenick Islands, with each crew required to land and retrieve a flag on Shenick before making a final sprint back to the South Strand. The event has grown from a one-day race into a full weekend festival of currach racing, heritage boat displays, music, food, and family-friendly activities.

“This year’s race brought together the past, present and future of currach rowing,” said Teddy Otto, captain of Currachaí na Sceirí. “It’s been an honour to host such incredible crews, and to be part of this celebration of traditional Irish craft, athleticism and community spirit.”