Irish rowers preparing to contest trans-Atlantic race

Two Irish rowers are preparing to contest an epic race across the Atlantic to raise money for charity.

Dubliner Ciaran Lewis and Corkman Gearóid Towey are planning to compete against 26 other teams in the 2,800-mile Atlantic Challenge Rowing Race, which begins today in the Canary Islands today.

The teams are due to row across the Atlantic to the Carribean island of Antigua in a race expected to last at least 40 days.

The two Irishmen are competing to raise money for the Irish Cancer Society and the Merchants' Quay Project.