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Pictured at the first LauraLynn Abseil Fundraiser at Thomond Park is Catherine Downey, Colm Naughton and their children Éanna and Neala after Colm proposed to long-term partner Catherine while abseiling 42.5 metres from the West Stand. Colm and Catherine’s son Éanna attends LauraLynn. Pictured at the first LauraLynn Abseil Fundraiser at Thomond Park is Catherine Downey, Colm Naughton and their children Éanna and Neala after Colm proposed to long-term partner Catherine while abseiling 42.5 metres from the West Stand. Colm and Catherine’s son Éanna attends LauraLynn.

Charity

LauraLynn Parents Get Engaged Mid-Air During Inaugural Abseil Fundraiser

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11 months ago

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LauraLynn parents get engaged mid-air at Thomond Fundraiser. Pictured at the first LauraLynn Abseil Fundraiser at Thomond Park is Catherine Downey, Colm Naughton and their children Éanna and Neala after Colm proposed to long-term partner Catherine while abseiling 42.5 metres from the West Stand. Colm and Catherine’s son Éanna attends LauraLynn. 

The first ever LauraLynn regional abseil fundraiser at Thomond Park celebrates mid-air proposal between two parents

Pictured during the first LauraLynn Abseil Fundraiser at Thomond Park is Colm Naughton proposing to his long-term partner Catherine Downey while abseiling 42.5 metres from the West Stand. Colm and Catherine’s son Éanna attends LauraLynn.
Pictured during the first LauraLynn Abseil Fundraiser at Thomond Park is Colm Naughton proposing to his long-term partner Catherine Downey while abseiling 42.5 metres from the West Stand. Colm and Catherine’s are parents to Éanna who attends LauraLynn.

LauraLynn’s first-ever regional abseil fundraiser at Thomond Park took an unforgettable turn when Colm Naughton proposed to his partner Catherine Downey mid-air as they descended 42.5 metres from the stadium’s West Stand.

Their son Éanna and the family are supported by LauraLynn, Ireland’s Children’s Hospice’s regional service based in Ballinasloe. Ahead of the inaugural fundraiser, the couple raised an incredible €18,000 to support children with palliative care needs and their families across Ireland. During their descent from the stadium’s West Stand, Colm surprised Catherine with a mid-air proposal, which was met with cheers from supporters below. Their engagement added a special touch to the day.

“Even though we have been together for so long, I was still totally shocked that Colm picked that day to propose.” said Catherine. “It made a special day even more special and meaningful.”


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The abseil event welcomed 20 participants to Thomond Park, offering thrill-seekers, rugby fans, and families a chance to see the stadium from a whole new perspective while raising vital funds for children with life-limiting conditions and their families across Ireland.

Funds raised will help LauraLynn continue to provide free-of-charge care and support from its hospice in Dublin and through its community hubs in Mallow, Co. Cork and Ballinasloe, Co. Galway. Currently, 24 families in Limerick are receiving care from LauraLynn’s dedicated team.

“We are delighted with how our first regional fundraiser went in Limerick,” said Elaine Buckley, Regional Fundraising Executive at LauraLynn. “Colm and Catherine’s engagement was a beautiful surprise and a reminder of the love and strength that surrounds our families. Every participant today helped make a difference.”

Pictured during the first LauraLynn Abseil Fundraiser at Thomond Park is Colm Naughton proposing to his long-term partner Catherine Downey while abseiling 42.5 metres from the West Stand. Colm and Catherine’s son Éanna attends LauraLynn.  

Participants walked through the iconic Munster player’s tunnel before their descent, guided by professional instructors to ensure a safe and memorable experience. The event was open to individuals, families, companies, and community groups, with each abseiler committing to a fundraising target to support LauraLynn’s mission.

LauraLynn provides specialist palliative care to children from birth to 18 years, offering services such as symptom management, music and play therapy, psychological support, and end-of-life care, all delivered in the hospice, in hospitals, and in family homes across Ireland.

The LauraLynn Charity Abseil is a fundraising event which took place at Thomond Park Stadium, Limerick, on Saturday, 28th September 2025. Participants abseiled 42.5 metres from the stadium’s heights, guided by professionals, to raise funds for LauraLynn, Ireland’s only children’s hospice. Open to individuals, families, companies, and community groups, the event offered a unique and thrilling way to support children with life-limiting conditions and their families. All proceeds go directly to LauraLynn, Ireland’s Children’s Hospice.

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