Kilkenny Teachers to Abseil 200 Feet for LGBTQ+ Charity

Two teachers from Kilkenny City Vocational School are set to abseil down Dublin’s Smithfield Tower, one of Ireland’s tallest structures, in a daring effort to raise funds for the national LGBTQ+ youth organization, Belong To. Scheduled for November 2, 2025, teachers Alisha May and Anna Mahony aim to descend 200 feet while joining over 30 other participants in the Belong To Abseil Challenge 2025.

The initiative serves to support Belong To’s vital services for LGBTQ+ young people and their families throughout Ireland. The organization provides essential resources, including crisis counselling and family support, while working to create inclusive environments in schools. May and Mahony are raising funds to bolster these efforts and foster acceptance within their community.

“We’re taking part in the abseil as Alisha is challenging her fear of heights, while I love adrenaline and adventure, and am ready to take the plunge!” Mahony stated, highlighting the personal significance of the challenge. “This challenge means so much to us because we want our students to know that their teachers stand beside them.”

As part of their fundraising campaign, May and Mahony plan to organize a bake sale and a Halloween non-uniform day at their school. The teachers expressed their commitment to making a difference, emphasizing that every contribution helps LGBTQ+ youth feel safe, supported, and empowered to embrace their identities.

Belong To’s mission is to ensure that LGBTQ+ young people across Ireland have the resources and support necessary to thrive. The organization also runs the Stand Up Awareness Week anti-bullying campaign, which addresses homophobic, biphobic, and transphobic bullying in schools. Their comprehensive 18-month LGBTQ+ Quality Programme seeks to promote inclusion and well-being in educational settings.

Moninne Griffith, CEO of Belong To, praised May and Mahony’s efforts, stating, “We’re really grateful to Alisha and Anna for taking this challenge on. It’s no small ask—dropping almost 200 feet in support of LGBTQ+ young people. This is a testament to their commitment to creating a better Ireland for LGBTQ+ youth.”

Research indicates that LGBTQ+ youth in Ireland experience disproportionately high rates of mental health challenges compared to their heterosexual peers. Griffith emphasized the importance of initiatives like the abseil challenge in raising awareness and providing critical support for these young individuals.

Donations for May and Mahony’s fundraising campaign are now open and can be made at: https://eventmaster.ie/fundraising/Abseil_for_Belong_To/team/The_Fall_Girls. More information about participating in the abseil is available at www.belongto.org/abseil.

Through their courageous effort, these teachers aim not only to raise funds but also to inspire their students, showing that everyone can contribute to creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for LGBTQ+ youth.