Valentine’s Day world record bid as amputee athlete pulls 120 tonne Aran Islands ferry

On Saturday morning, Paralympian Shane McLoughlin will try to drag the 40 metre passenger ferry Saoirse na Farraige five metres at Rossaveel in a bid to raise awareness for amputees and inspire Paralympians worldwide. The former truck driver and five-time world record holder says the Valentine’s Day pull is about proving that limits can be overcome with belief and preparation.

A five-time world record holder, Shane Mc Loughlin 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 five meters or more at Rossaveel Harbour, in Connemara. His broader aim is to continue raising awareness of 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”.

Aran Island Ferries' Saoirse na Farraige.

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 was injured in a farm accident that led to the amputation of his left leg from the knee down, holds three consecutive world records, including pulling 18-, 20-, and 25-tonne lorries in 2024. In 2025, he pulled a 30-tonne lorry in Ireland, followed by a 40-tonne lorry pull in the US, continuing his world-record successes.

Shane Mc Loughlin has been a Paralympic Athlete for six years and has competed across Ireland and around the world.

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 to see what’s possible in life when you set goals and continue to grow and focus.

“While life often throws up many challenges,  they shouldn’t define us regardless of age or situation,” says Shane Mc Loughlin.

Shane McLoughlin and his daughter, Jessica.

“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.”

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.”