From Tenacious Ten to Kilimanjaro 100

Climbing for a Cause. A new frontier.

When ten business leaders signed up for Climb for a Cause Ireland 2026, they set themselves an ambitious goal: climbing Carrauntoohil, Gran Paridiso and Mont Blanc while raising vital funds to support children and young people experiencing disadvantage.

What followed exceeded every expectation.

The tenacious ten acclimatising for the lofty heights ahead. Niall Cribben, Dan Herlihy, John Bohan, John Perry, Sarah Bradley, Ciara Cowman, Liam NcNally, Ken Somerville, Jacqueline Flynn and Davina Saint

Over months of training, fundraising and preparation, the Tenacious Ten became much more than a team of climbers.  Each mountain marked another stage in their journey – testing their fitness, strengthening their resilience and bringing them closer together as a team. Together, they raised more than €125,000, supported one another through every challenge and completed an unforgettable journey across three mountains.

But the figures and even the summits tell only part of the story. Ask any of them about the experience and it’s unlikely the summit will be the first thing they mention.

Instead, they’ll talk about the camaraderie. The friendships forged through the shared challenge.

The encouragement when things got tough. The laughter along the way. And the satisfaction of achieving something meaningful together.  Most of all, they’ll talk about being part of something bigger than themselves.

The climb wasn’t simply about reaching a summit. It was about teamwork, generosity and collective impact.  In fact, no sooner had they descended the mountain than the conversation turned to a new question: How can we bring even more people on this journey?

The Next Chapter: Kilimanjaro 2027

Climb for a Cause Ireland is driven by a desire to leave a lasting legacy, and they are setting their sights on an even bigger ambition.

In October 2027, they aim to bring together 100 leaders from 100 companies to climb Mount Kilimanjaro and collectively raise €1 million for three exceptional charities:

basis.point | Focus Ireland | Marie Keating Foundation

While still a significant challenge, Kilimanjaro is considerably more accessible than a technical alpine climb like Gran Paridiso or Mont Blanc,Mont Blanc, opening the opportunity to many more people who want to experience the rewards of taking on a challenge with purpose.

Because this is not really about climbing a mountain.

It’s about building a community of leaders who are prepared to challenge themselves, support one another and make a meaningful difference to those less advantaged than they themselves.

The real achievement will not be measured in metres climbed, but in lives changed, opportunities created and communities strengthened.

Could You Be One of the 100?

The Tenacious Ten proved what can happen when a small group of people say yes to a challenge with purpose.  Three mountains. Ten determined people. More than €120,000 raised.

Now Climb For A Cause Ireland are inviting 100 leaders to help write the next chapter.

If you have ever wanted to test yourself, form meaningful relationships with people from across the business community and contribute to something with a lasting impact, this could be your opportunity.

The next summit is higher, the ambition is greater and the opportunity to change lives is bigger than ever.

The only question is: will you be one of the 100?

100 Leaders. 100 Companies. One Summit. A Better World.

Congratulations to this year’s heroes: Niall Cribben (Kroll), Liam McNally (KPMG), Dan Herlihy (Confluence), John Bohan (Apex Group), John Perry (Ogier), Ken Somerville (US Bank), Ciara Cowman (US Bank), Sarah Bradley (Grant Thornton), Jacqueline Flynn (Exponent PE) and Davina Saint (INED).

A truly awesome achievement on so many fronts! Thank you to each one of you and to everyone who has supported the Climb For A Cause Ireland 2026 expedition.

Please reach out to Edel O’Malley if you feel inspired to find out more.

Return to Newsletter

 

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter

You can support our work to empower young people through education by hosting a company event, organising a personal event, or getting involved with any of our events or initiatives.