Mayo woman's company named national finalist for The Pitch UK 2026

Mayo woman Ciara Mangan, founder of 'Beyond Surviving', has been named among sixty finalists selected across five UK cities and Dublin to compete for a place at 'The Pitch' UK 2026 Grand Final.

'Beyond Surviving', Ireland’s first survivor-led charity dedicated to connecting and supporting survivors of domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence and abuse, has been recognised as a national top finalist among Ireland’s most promising start-up founders.

In May 2013, Ms Mangan was raped by Shane Noonan (30), of Turlough Road, Castlebar, at a house party in the town. Following his sentencing, she established 'Beyond Surviving' to create a community-led approach by survivors, for survivors, offering healing, wellbeing, and peer-led support to those affected by violence and abuse.

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The Pitch regional final will take place in Dublin this Friday, January 23, where the finalists will compete for a place at The Pitch 2026 Grand Final in March.

If you have been affected by any of the issues discussed in this article, please contact the Rape Crisis Centre’s national 24-hour helpline on 1800 77 88 88, or visit rapecrisishelp.ie. 

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