On Saturday 14th February at 11am, five-time world record holder, Shane McLoughlin plans to achieve yet another Guinness World Record by pulling the largest passenger-only ferry vessel registered in Irish waters, Aran Island Ferries’ Saoirse na Farraige, which weighs 120 tonnes!
This will be the heaviest vessel pull achieved by Shane McLoughlin who will pull Saoirse na Farraige a total of 5 meters or more at Rossaveel Harbour in Connemara. His broader aim is to continue to raise awareness for amputees and their needs worldwide. Aiming to inspire Paralympians and amputees to achieve their ultimate goals despite their experiences and challenges in life.
"Everything is possible in this life," says Shane Mc Loughlin, "once you put your mind to it."
A native of County Monaghan, Shane McLoughlin has already broken five Guinness World Records for the heaviest vehicles pulled by a Paralympian. The former truck driver, who experienced a farm accident which led to the amputation of his left leg from the knee down, holds three back-to-back successful world records including pulls of 18, 20 and 25 tonne lorries in 2024. Last year, he pulled a 30-tonne lorry in Ireland followed by a 40 tonne lorry pull in the US, to continue his world record successes!
Shane McLoughlin has been a Paralympic Athlete for six years and has competed across Ireland and the world in multiple competitions.
Pulling the Aran Island Ferries vessel, Saoirse na Farraige is a personal goal for Shane which he wants to showcase as motivation to his daughter, Jessica. "While life often throws up many challenges, they shouldn’t define us regardless of age or situation," says Shane McLoughlin, "In particular, I want to motivate my daughter and show her what’s possible in terms of drive and resilience but also to show other young people and in particular people with disabilities and amputees what is really achievable in life."
Aran Island Ferries, a family-owned ferry operator who sail to all three of the Aran Islands year-round, operate a stunning fleet of five state-of-the-art ferry vessels, including Saoirse na Farraige which was custom designed, built and delivered to Galway Bay in 2020. The largest passenger-only ferry vessel registered in Irish waters, Saoirse na Farraige weighs 120 tonnes, measures 40 metres long and 9 metres wide, and carries up to 400 people. Currently on its winter sojourn at Rossaveel Harbour, it is being prepared for its return to Galway City Docks this Easter when it will recommence its daily seasonal cruise from Galway City to Inis Mór, the largest of the 3 Aran Islands, along with a return cruise via the world renowned Cliffs of Moher. Shane Mc Loughlin’s world record pull attempt gives Saoirse na Farraige an early season showcase and opportunity to make world headlines for both.
Shane McLoughlin has been working up to a 120 tonne vessel pull and Saoirse na Farraige at Rossaveel Harbour provides the perfect opportunity for him to achieve his highest goal and world record to date. By bringing awareness to vehicle and vessel pulling for amputees, Shane aims to show that the challenges faced by an amputee can be overcome, to achieve unbelievable feats. Prior to his farm accident Shane, worked extensively as a truck driver nationwide and has never lost his deep love of all things trucking.
This extraordinary attempt with Aran Island Ferries and Saoirse na Farraige at Rossaveel Harbour on Valentines Day, 14th February 2026 at 11am, is both a test of physical strength and endurance, but also a powerful statement of resilience, determination, and redefining perceived limits. As an amputee, McLoughlin’s challenge highlights the capabilities of athletes with disabilities and aims to inspire others to overcome adversity in pursuit of ambitious goals.
The event is expected to draw significant public and media interest, with witnesses and official measurements in place to ensure compliance with the Guinness World Records requirements.
Shane McLoughlin said the challenge represents "far more than moving a ship, it’s about proving that limitations can be overcome with belief, preparation, and perseverance."
Aran Island Ferries has expressed its support for the attempt, with Saoirse na Farraige, the company’s largest vessel, serving as a fitting symbol of the scale and significance of the challenge.
For further details check out aranislandferries.com, or follow @aranislandferries on social media.
