Daring abseil attempt in memory of Laois Credit Union manager

A daring vertical abseil will soon be attempted, in memory of a Laois Credit Union manager who died suddenly while at work.

Colm Heslin managed Mountmellick Credit Union, where he took ill and died on October 11 2022, to the shock and grief of his family, his fiancée Michelle Kemmy, manager of Kildare Credit Union, and of his staff and friends in Mountmellick. 

It was all the more tragic because Colm's younger brother Ollie had died in a road crash just four months previously.

Now Michelle's sister Edel is planning a heroic feat in Colm's honour, and to help others.

Edel Kemmy from Kildare is asking for donations for the Irish Heart Foundation, ahead of her attempt to abseil down the Generator's Skyview Tower in Smithfield Square, Dublin 7.

Edel launched her online fundraiser in late August.

"In Loving Memory of my sisters fiancé, Colm, I’m taking on an abseil challenge in November in support of the Irish Heart Foundation. Please donate &/or share my page https://eventmaster.ie/fundraising/pages/EK72283369".

She set herself a target to raise of €1,000 and in less than a month it received €840, along with many messages of support, including from Colm's former colleagues in Mountmellick.  

"Such a worthy cause. Colm is sorely missed," one colleague said.

"Fair play Edel! We all miss him in MMCU x," another said.

The Skyview tower in Smithfield is 60 metres tall, one of the tallest structures in Dublin. Previously a chimney for the Jameson Distillery, it is now topped by a glass viewing platform taken from a former air traffic control tower.

Edel's abseil will be part of a group challenge on Saturday, November 2, with red heroes cape provided to everyone, all in aid of the charity. It is fully booked for participants. Each will have the help of experienced, qualified instructors to guide them through every step, with all safety equipment provided.