Kerry honours its world sailing hero Damian

AN heroic Kerry adventurer was honoured yesterday in his home county.

Sailor Damian Foxall, winner of the inaugural Barcelona World Race, was accorded a civic reception by Kerry County Council in Tralee.

The exploits of the 37-year-old from Derrynane, who has sailed over 275,000 miles in six round the world races and 17 trans-Atlantic crossings, were compared to those of Antarctic explorer Tom Crean and climber Pat Falvey.

Along with Jean-Pierre Dick, Mr Foxall left Barcelona on November 11, 2007 and spent 92 days at sea in extremely rough conditions, covering over 25,000 miles.

Speaking at yesterday’s reception, Kerry mayor Michael Healy Rae paid tribute to the dedication and mental toughness which helped Mr Foxall achieve his goal.

County manager Tom Curran also paid tribute to the resilience shown by Damian and Jean Pierre.

Mr Foxall described the civic honour as “very, very special”, adding that he grew up in a strong sporting tradition in Kerry.

Also present were his wife, Suzy-Ann and their baby son, Oisin.