Gavan Hennigan has smashed the Irish record for rowing across the Atlantic Ocean.

The Galway endurance athlete was competing in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge and finished in third place overnight in Antigua. 12 teams are taking part in the race, with Hennigan finishing in third place, and the first solo rower to complete the event.

Arriving in Antigua, over 49 days and 11 hours after leaving San Sebastian de la Gomera in the Canary Islands, he has taken over 68 days off the Irish record that was set by Sean McGowan in 2010.

And he's in! @soulogav arrives after 49 days, 11 hours, 37 minutes! #Congratulations #Epic #RecordBreaking pic.twitter.com/UErNYHZlpV

— Talisker Challenge (@TaliskerRace) February 2, 2017

"I had so many messages of well-wishes", Hennigan revealed when he reached dry land. "To represent the country and fly the flag has been amazing".

The 35-year-old was racing to race money for Cancer Care West and Jigsaw Galway.