Two Furbo teenagers have qualified to represent Ireland at a prestigious international sailing regatta in Texas next July.

Rob Talbot and Cathal Mahon and , who are both 17 and students at St Enda’s College in Salthill, will be just the third Irish participants to take part in the William I. Koch International Sea Scout Cup.

The pair are ‘Venture’s’ with Port of Galway Sea Scouts, and each have been sailing for over six years – competitively for the last four. They have taken part in various regional events around Ireland, and have posted impressive wins in ‘Silver fleet’, steadily climbing the ranks in ‘Gold fleet’.

They have trained under some brilliant instructors and coaches in Galway’s sailing clubs, including Cumann Seoilteoreacht An Spidéal, Galway Bay Sailing Club, and Galway City Sailing Club, along with camps in Howth, Dún Laoghaire, and Schull.

Their dedication, determination, and hard work with coach, Ciaran Jordon, has paid off. However, as scouting is entirely voluntary, they must cover the cost of taking part in this amazing trip to Galveston from July 8-13.

They need to raise €3,500 to cover their entry to the event, along with travel and accommodation for them and their coach.

They have set up an online fundraising page, hoping that friends, neighbours, local businesses, and admirers will support them in this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Any businesses owners or individuals who would like to help with sponsorship are invited to contact Alan Delahunty (alan@GalwaySeaScouts.com).