David Ryan is more accustomed to ploughing the land than sailing around the coast, but the farmer plans to compete in — and win — the Round Ireland Yacht Race.

SOME people just put others to shame, their positive attitude towards dealing with — what for others would be an unthinkable burden — provides inspiration to all but the most mean-spirited. Mark Pollock is one such person.

A boat from Wellington in New Zealand has become the first to cross the finishing line in the Round Ireland Yacht Race.