In 2024, Tirlán raised over €115,000 through various fundraising efforts to support a number of local charities

The funds were raised through the Tour de Tirlán cycling event and the Tirlán Mountain Challenge, along with a number of other voluntary organisations working in communities across the south-east, midlands and north-east.

Over 130 employees took part in the fundraising activities benefitting mental health support organisation Aware, Cois Nore Cancer Support Centre, South East Simon Community and addiction rehabilitation service, Aiséirí.

Presenting the charities with their cheques, Jim O’Neill, Chief Operating & Consumer Officer, who chairs the Tour de Tirlán committee, said it was wonderful to see the level of enthusiasm amongst colleagues in raising money to support such good causes.

“We’re proud to be here today, for the presentation of the money raised for Tour de Tirlán cycle 2024. I’m delighted to say that we have raised €75,000 and we have presented the cheques to Aiséirí, Cois Nore, South East Simon and our Corporate Charity Partner Aware. The cycle has now been running for 10 years and we have raised €486,000 to date. We’re deeply involved in the community in Tirlán, we have 4,500 farm families spread across the country and it’s really important to raise money and give back to our community.”

The €75,000 raised from Tour de Tirlán was split evenly between the four charities, receiving €18,750 each.

Mary Dolan, Manager of Cois Nore, expressed her gratitude, saying: “We’re delighted to receive this fundraising donation from Tirlán. We really appreciate the work that went into all the events throughout the year and we’ll use the money to support our move to new premises on the Waterford Road in Kilkenny. This will enable us to provide the clients that use our service with a much more spacious and comfortable environment to receive their treatments in.” Cois Nore provides psycho-social support services to people with cancer and their families who are living in the county of Kilkenny and the surrounding areas.

Noreen Condon, Development, Learning and Engagement Officer in Aiséirí, highlighted the impact on their services: “Aislinn, our centre for young people aged 15-21 years, based in Ballyragget, will benefit from these funds. Aislinn caters for teenagers in addiction and this funding is vital to support the service. We intend to develop a sensory room, where the teens can chill out, reflect and have time away from the world. The monies will also go towards the development of the sports hall and the development of a sound system, improving the overall environment.”

Julie Curran, Senior Corporate Fundraising Officer with South East Simon Community, noted the importance of the donation: “Homelessness is the social issue of our times. Based in Waterford, we support vulnerable men and women here in the South East to leave homelessness behind, to rebuild their lives and to become active participants again in their local communities. None of it would be possible without the generous support of our local business community. This significant donation is a reflection of the care and compassion that everyone who participated in the fundraiser has for people who are isolated and excluded. Thank you so much for believing in people.”

Tirlán’s Charity partner, Aware, received a further €40,000 from the Tirlán Mountain Challenge 2024.

Stephen Butterly, Head of Fundraising and Business Development at Aware, Tirlán’s charity partner, said that the mental health organisation continues to see high demand for its services, with the Aware Support Line receiving an average of 80 calls a day. Aware is also set to expand its offering in the coming year with the introduction of a new service for people experiencing depression. “The Tirlán events have raised significant funds for Aware, along with bringing attention to the important topic of mental health. We are very grateful to the Tirlán team and everyone who participated in the events or supported their colleagues’ efforts. The monies raised will contribute directly towards the support of the many people across Ireland affected by depression and help ensure that we can continue to be there for the people who need us most.”

James Brennan, Employee Communications Manager and member of both the Tour de Tirlán and Tirlán Mountain Challenge Committee, emphasised the community spirit of the events: “Events like Tour de Tirlán and the Tirlán Mountain Challenge are an opportunity for our employees to come together, to socialise, connect with each other and to give back to our charity partners. Since 2017, the Tirlán Mountain Challenge has raised over €270,000.”