Cathedral Abseil Raises Much Needed Regatta Funds

The Brave fifteen volunteers who abseiled 70 foot off of St. Colmans Cathedral on Saturday

Despite the torrential rain 15 volunteers took to the Belfry in St Colman’s Cathedral to abseil 70 foot down the front of the Cathedral all in a bid to raise much needed funds to keep Cobh People’s Regatta afloat for another year. Ranging in ages from 15 to 50 four ladies and 11 gents strapped on helmets and harnesses and under the watchful eye of Ronan O’Connor, instructor extraordinaire, of Ardmore Adventure took the leap of faith to the delight of the watching crowd.

Kathleen Geary was the first over the ledge and was followed by Laura Leahy, Yvonne Wallace and Sarah Conway. With the ladies finished Emmet Burns the youngest of the adventurers took his spot and was followed by Fr. Michael Leamy, without whom the abseil would never have happened. Don Stanton, Dean Victory, Martin O’Driscoll, Shay Roche, Shane Cournane, Trevor Hornibrook, Marc Anderson, Neil McCarthy, and Paul O’Halloran all completed the task. It was a nerve wracking event but one that everyone enjoyed. Special thanks to the family, friends and supporters who braved the rain and wind to offer encouragement to the abseilers.