100 brave hearts wanted for Mayo Cancer Support’s Croke Park Abseil challenge
Mayo Cancer Support and Mayo GAA launch 2026 ‘Brave the Drop’ fundraiser following €340,000 success last year
Mayo Cancer Support Association, in partnership with Mayo GAA, has launched the 2026 ‘Brave the Drop Croke Park Abseil Challenge’, calling on 100 brave participants to take on the thrilling fundraiser in support of local cancer services.
Following the success of the inaugural challenge in October 2025, which raised almost €340,000 for Mayo Cancer Support, participants are once again being invited to descend 150ft from the roof of Croke Park in an unforgettable abseil experience on Thursday, July 2.
Chairperson of Mayo Cancer Support, Joan Fitzgerald, said the organisation was delighted to continue its partnership with Mayo GAA for a second year.
She said the charity was deeply grateful to Mayo GAA for once again backing an initiative that proved hugely successful in 2025, both financially and emotionally, while helping to raise awareness of the supports available to people affected by cancer.
Chief Executive Officer of Mayo Cancer Support, Orla Gillespie, said the public had strongly connected with the symbolism behind the challenge.
“The courage it takes to put your trust in the abseil harness and descend 150ft from the roof of Croke Park reflects, in some small way, the bravery of those who must navigate a cancer diagnosis or a cancer bereavement,” she said.
“Mayo Cancer Support’s work is all about empowering people to deal with their cancer experience and so this fundraiser aligns really well with our work.”
Ms Gillespie noted that Mayo Cancer Support relies heavily on fundraising to sustain its services, with donations accounting for up to 50% of annual operating costs.
Funds raised through the 2026 Brave the Drop Croke Park Abseil Challenge will help ensure the charity can continue providing essential free cancer support services to local people and families navigating illness and bereavement.
Mayo GAA Chairperson Seamus Tuohy said the GAA body was proud to continue supporting the charity and the important work it delivers across the county.
“Mayo GAA is proud to continue standing alongside Mayo Cancer Support and the incredible work they do for individuals and families across our county,” he said.
“The success of the Brave the Drop initiative showed the extraordinary community spirit that exists throughout Mayo, and we are delighted to see the event return this July.”
“It represents courage, solidarity and people coming together for a cause that touches so many lives. We would encourage clubs, supporters and the wider public to once again get behind this fantastic fundraiser and help make an even greater impact in 2026.”
Registration for the 2026 ‘Brave the Drop Croke Park Challenge’ is now open, with organisers encouraging interested participants to sign up quickly as places are limited and fewer than five weeks remain before the event.
For more information or to register, visit mayocancersupport.ie/abseil, call Mayo Cancer Support on (094) 9038407 or email [email protected].