The crew of one of the country's most respected river rescue units will row 70 miles this weekend, mainly during the night, from the Isle of Man to Drogheda to raise funds for a boathouse.
The Boyne Fishermen Rescue and Recovery Service (BFRRS) began over 30 years ago when a number of fishermen used their skills to help others in trouble on the Boyne in Co Louth. Throughout those years they never had a boathouse.
"It has got to the stage where we can no longer do without one. For those we retrieve from the river it is not proper or dignified that there is no boathouse to bring them ashore to, and for us we have no toilet facilities or even a kettle," explained spokesman Mr Michael Hodgins.
BFRRS volunteers have travelled throughout Ireland to assist other groups, including the Garda underwater unit, in searches.
To prepare for the rowing challenge the 10 rescuers have been training every evening for three months by rowing up the Boyne and along the coast between Drogheda and Clogherhead.
They are confident that, weather permitting, they will complete the course and raise a large chunk of the €260,000 needed to build the boathouse.
"We have had a lot of support from the community, including having our boats transported to the Isle of Man, and all the crew are being flown there courtesy of a local security company.
"We are also planning to donate part of the proceeds raised to St Ita's school for children with special needs."
The crew will begin its journey around 7 p.m. on Saturday, and by rowing in relays hopes to reach Drogheda on Sunday afternoon.