Following his epic journey across the Atlantic from La Gomera in the Canaries, Sean McGowan – the first Irish man to complete the journey solo - was welcomed to Antiguan shores today by representatives from Antigua and Barbuda’s Bigger, Better Network.

Sean’s brother, Tom, and sisters, Donna and Brigid, were there waiting for him at the finishing line at Nelson's Dockyard in Antigua, as their 41 year-old brother reached land after 118 days at sea. The voyage which comprised 2,548 nautical miles began in early January when Sean left La Gomera.

To date, Sean McGowan’s trip has raised over US$12,760 for the Soweto Connection, a South African community-based group that works with people affected by HIV/AIDS.

Digicel was on hand to ensure that Sean got a hero’s welcome when he reached dry land and, with its donation of US$1500, ensured that Sean reached his fundraising target of US$100,000. As the regional broadcast sponsors of the FIFA World Cup 2101, Digicel also presented him with a FIFA football jersey and a state-of-the-art LG G900 handset plus call credit to call his friends and family back home.

Digicel North-Eastern Caribbean Commercial Director, Johnny Ingle, who was present at the finish line to welcome Sean said, “We are delighted to be welcoming Sean to our shores after his triumphant journey across the Atlantic. As expected, after 118 long and lonely days at sea, Sean was looking forward to speaking to friends and family at home. Digicel was proud to make sure he could do that on Antigua’s Bigger, Better Network.”

“It’s fantastic to have finally reached the beautiful shores of Antigua and great to have arrived to such a welcome. With Digicel’s help, I have reached my target fundraising figure for the Soweto Connection - and of course have been able to talk to my family to let them know I am safe and to share my excitement with them.”