Mayo Cancer Support and Mayo GAA launch 2026 abseil challenge
Mayo Cancer Support Association, in collaboration with Mayo GAA, has announced the official launch of the thrilling 2026 Brave the Drop Croke Park Abseil Challenge.
Following on from the spectacular success of the inaugural Brave the Drop Challenge in October 2025, the two organisations are once again inviting locals to take on the challenge of a lifetime and abseil 150 feet from the roof of Croke Park on Thursday, July 2, in aid of Mayo Cancer Support.
The charity’s chairperson, Joan Fitzgerald, said the organisation is grateful to be in its second year as the official charity partner of Mayo GAA and to once again have its backing in hosting this truly unforgettable experience, which last year raised almost €340,000 for Mayo Cancer Support.
The charity’s CEO, Orla Gillespie, remarked that the people of Co. Mayo and beyond had really engaged on an emotional level with the symbolism of the Brave the Drop Challenge.
She stated: “The courage it takes to put your trust in the abseil harness and descend 150 feet 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.
“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.”
With Mayo Cancer Support dependent on fundraising to cover up to 50% of its annual operating costs, the funds raised through the 2026 Brave the Drop Croke Park Abseil Challenge will help the charity to continue providing essential free cancer support services to local people.
Mayo GAA County Board chairperson Seamus Tuohy commented: “Mayo GAA is proud to continue standing alongside Mayo Cancer Support and the incredible work they do for individuals and families across our county. 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 and, with less than five weeks to go, the organisers are encouraging anyone interested to secure their place quickly. For more information or to register, visit https://www.mayocancersupport.ie/abseil, call Mayo Cancer Support on (094) 9038407 or email info@mayocancersupport.ie.