Bressie meets crowds in Longford ahead of 'daunting' kayaking and climbing challenge

Musician and mental health advocate Bressie made a stop in Longford to share a “powerful” message ahead of a “daunting” challenge.

To raise vital funds for A Lust for Life, Niall Breslin (Bressie) will kayak the River Shannon, cycle 160km from Limerick to Killarney and then scale Ireland’s highest peak, Carrauntoohil.

From September 9 to 15, the team aims to raise vital funds for A Lust for Life’s free early prevention school programs, which aim to equip children with the tools they need to protect and enhance their mental health.

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On Monday, the team gathered in Lanesboro for a meet and greet, where crowds gathered to show support for their multi-day expedition, ‘The Rising 2024’.

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Co-founded by Breslin in 2017, A Lust For Life has been at the forefront of developing early prevention mental health and wellbeing programmes in schools across Ireland. These programmes are designed to equip children with the tools to enhance and protect their mental health, ensuring they thrive emotionally, mentally, and socially from the earliest age.

The challenge itself is “as daunting as it is symbolic”. Over six days, the team will navigate the waters of the River Shannon, cycle from Limerick to Killarney, and finally, climb Ireland’s highest peak, Carrauntoohil. 

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Last year, The Rising captured the public’s imagination as Bressie and his team kayaked down the Shannon, raising an impressive €158,000 for the cause.

This year, the stakes are higher—not just in the scale of the challenge, but in the ambition behind it. A Lust For Life is asking people across Ireland to unite in a powerful ‘rising up’ on Sunday, September 15 as Bressie and the team make their final ascent of Carrauntoohil.

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Bressie and the team will be joined by some familiar faces on their last day’s climb - double Olympic gold medallist Kellie Harrington, Tiktok stars Tadgh and Derry Fleming, broadcaster and mindfulness teacher Dermot Whelan, author Kaitriona O’Sullivan, artist Joe Caslin, fitness influencer and teacher Caroline McKenna - and more. People can join the movement and ‘rise up’ by doing a walk or hike in their locality, registering to donate and sharing photos on the day. 

Reflecting on the significance of The Rising, Bressie said: “This journey represents more than just a fundraiser; it mirrors the struggles that many young people face in today’s world. It’s a call to action for all of us to ensure that our youth have the tools they need to navigate life’s challenges.

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“Our children are growing up in an increasingly complex world, and we can’t wait for a crisis to act. We need to equip them with the skills to protect their mental health now, so they can grow up with the tools that none of us had.”

Speaking of last year’s challenge, Bressie said: “Last year’s experience on the Shannon was tough but incredibly rewarding. This year, we’re raising the bar—not just in the challenge itself, but in our ambition to unite the country in support of our children’s mental health. Every step, every paddle stroke, and every euro raised brings us closer to a future where mental health education is ingrained in every school in Ireland. Together, we believe Ireland can be world leaders in investing in prevention as a model of care.”

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