Tirlán’s Charity Cheque Handover event highlighted the power of community spirit

The Tirlán Mountain Challenge and Tour de Tirlán committee members gathered at Abbey Quarter for a heartwarming occasion: the handover of €130,000 to three remarkable charities – The Father McGrath Centre, Amber Women’s Refuge and our charity partner Aware. This impressive sum was raised through the collective efforts of our people who took part and supported the Tirlán Mountain Challenge (June) and Tour de Tirlán (September), reflecting the power of teamwork and community spirit.

Representatives from each charity joined us at the end of October to collect their cheques and share how these donations will make a difference:

• Amber Women’s Refuge: Ken Byrne described the donation as “a gift,” enabling the centre to provide vital services to women and children in Kilkenny and Carlow. Last year’s fundraising allowed for 276 free counselling sessions for 74 women. This year, the funds will help build a new playground and sensory garden for children at the refuge, offering a safe and nurturing space for those fleeing violence and abuse.
• Aware: Drew Flood highlighted the urgent need for mental health support, noting that depression is projected to be the leading cause of disease burden globally by 2030. Tirlán’s donations have already funded over 6,000 support line calls, covering three months of helpline services. This year’s contribution will help Aware continue to reach and support even more people across Ireland, ensuring no one faces depression alone.
• Father McGrath Centre: Mike Kelly and team shared how the Centre has evolved from tackling early school leaving to offering a wide range of community supports, including educational programmes, childcare training and addiction recovery initiatives. The funds will help expand their sensory room for children from traumatised backgrounds and support scholarships for young leaders. Last year’s donation enabled youth leaders to participate in an international exchange, described as “life-altering” by those who attended.

The main message from all three charities was one of deep gratitude for Tirlán employees’ support. The stories shared at the event brought home just how much impact our fundraising efforts have, locally, nationally and internationally. It’s a testament to the commitment of our values.