The Daisy Voyage Rowers Visit JFC Ahead of Atlantic Fundraising Challenge
Bryan Hyland and Tom Bourke were welcomed to our Tuam facility as preparations continue for their titanic journey in aid of Daisy Lodge in Cong.
This week, we were visited by The Daisy Voyage crew as they take further steps toward one of the world’s toughest endurance challenges: a two-man Atlantic row from La Gomera (Canary Islands) to Antigua (Caribbean) in aid of Cancer Fund for Children’s new Daisy Lodge in Cong, Co. Mayo. As sponsors, we were delighted to welcome Bryan, Tom, and several of their supporting group to site.
Arriving with their ocean rowing boat, Misneach (Irish for courage or spirit), the pair were greeted by members of the JFC team before taking part in a series of interviews, photos, and video content to share the story behind their remarkable 4,800 km journey.
Launching in December 2026, Bryan and Tom will spend approximately 60 days at sea, rowing in four-hour shifts around the clock as they make their way across the Atlantic. The crossing will take place without a support vessel, meaning every piece of equipment, every meal, and every essential supply must be carried on board from the moment they depart.
The physical demands are immense. Between them, the rowers will consume around 8,000 calories per day to fuel the crossing. Maintaining their health and fitness remains the priority in the months leading up to departure. Tom is already recovering well after recently breaking his ankle in a mountain biking accident in the Alps, and is expecting to return to full training in the coming weeks.
As JFC CEO, John F. Concannon put it,
“The charity is the priority with this initiative…It’s a great cause to support people who have sick children. Anything like that, we want to support…I’m sure they’re going to raise a lot of funds.“
While Cancer Fund for Children is the main focus, the visit also highlighted a number of personal connections. Bryan’s father, Christy Hyland, is a Tuam native who grew up just a stone’s throw from our Weir Road facility. He came along for the visit and enjoyed the opportunity to reconnect with familiar faces.
Bryan himself spent 23 years working in the marine industry, running a successful mussel farming business before changing careers to the medical industry where he’s now a paramedic with the HSE. During his seafaring days, Bryan became very familiar with JFC Marine’s product range, particularly our mussel floats, the type of marine equipment he had worked with throughout his career.
Cancer Fund for Children is a cause that’s close to JFC hearts, as John has a long history supporting the charity. Every cent raised during this challenge goes directly toward Cancer Fund for Children’s new Daisy Lodge in Cong, which is already under construction and is expected to welcome families from May 2027.
The organisation was represented on the day by Mairead Geehan, Partnerships & Philanthropy Executive. She shared updates on the progress of the project and spoke about the importance of fundraising initiatives such as The Daisy Voyage. Mairead explained that while significant progress is being made, continued support is essential to help more families access the charity’s services. Currently, Daisy Lodge has the capacity to support just one in seven families. Considering they are working with 55 in Connaught alone, the funds being raised by Bryan and Tom gain even more significance.
Mairead praised the challenge being undertaken, “We are very grateful that they’ve chosen us to support. It’s really an honour.“
For JFC, sponsoring Bryan, Tom, and Cancer Fund for Children reflects a shared belief in community, resilience, and making a meaningful difference. As a manufacturer of marine products used around the world, it was a privilege to welcome the team and Misneach to Tuam and help share the story behind a challenge that will change lives far beyond the Atlantic.
As December approaches, Bryan and Tom will continue their preparations before setting off on a journey that will test their endurance, teamwork, and determination. Every stroke will bring them one step closer to the destination while helping to create a brighter future for the children and families who will benefit from the new Daisy Lodge in Cong.
If you want to learn more about the voyage, visit TheDaisyVoyage.com. To donate, follow the link here.
