Take the Leap for Dillon at Thomond Park August 5th
- 11 minutes ago
- 3 min read
On Wednesday, 5 August 2026, the Dillon Quirke Foundation will bring together supporters, sports clubs, families, community groups and businesses for a very special challenge at Thomond Park.
The Do It for Dillon Abseil Challenge will take place on the anniversary of Dillon’s passing and will give participants the chance to do something brave, memorable and genuinely fun, while helping to fund cardiac screenings for young people across Ireland.
One of the people supporting the event is Foundation ambassador and Irish Kayak Cross athlete Cleo Pitcher Farrell.
Cleo’s story is a powerful reminder of why cardiac screening matters.
She was training, competing and building a future in the sport she loved. She felt healthy, had no symptoms and had no reason to believe anything was wrong.
Then she had a cardiac screening.
That one test identified an Atrial Septal Defect, a hole in her heart that could easily have gone unnoticed. Because it was found early, Cleo was able to receive the treatment she needed and return to the sport she loves.
She is now preparing to compete at the World Championships.
“I had no symptoms and felt healthy. If I hadn’t been screened, I would never have known there was an issue.”
Cleo’s experience shows that a young athlete can appear completely healthy while an underlying condition remains hidden. Early detection gave her answers, access to treatment and the opportunity to continue doing what she loves.
That is exactly why the funds raised through the Thomond Park Abseil Challenge are so important.
By taking part, every participant will help the Dillon Quirke Foundation continue providing cardiac screenings to young people involved in sport. Since the Foundation was established, more than 21,000 young people across Ireland have been screened, helping to identify potentially serious cardiac conditions that may otherwise have gone undetected.
A serious cause, but a day full of fun
The reason behind the event is serious, but the day itself promises to be full of energy, encouragement and excitement.
Participants will abseil from one of Ireland’s most iconic stadiums, supported by the Foundation team, friends of the charity and fellow fundraisers.
You can register on your own, bring a friend, rally your clubmates or challenge your colleagues to take part as a team.
You might be facing a fear of heights, looking for your next adventure or simply searching for a meaningful way to support young people involved in sport.
Whatever brings you to the top of Thomond Park, every step over the edge will help fund future cardiac screenings.
Cleo and some familiar friends of the Foundation will also be there on the day to support participants and help create an unforgettable atmosphere.
Limited places are available
The Do It for Dillon Abseil Challenge is open to individuals, families, sports clubs, workplaces and community groups, but places are limited.
Come for the challenge.
Come for the atmosphere.
Come for the story you will be telling long after your feet are safely back on the ground.
Most importantly, come knowing that your fundraising could help another young person receive a life-changing test.
Do it for the young person whose hidden condition has not yet been found.
Do it for the families who deserve answers.
Do it for Dillon.
Event details
Date: Wednesday, 5 August 2026
Location: Thomond Park Stadium
Registration: Open now
One brave step from you could help protect another young heart.
