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06 Sept 2025
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06 Sept 2025
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Niall Breslin taking part in the fundraiser. Photo: A Lust For Life's GoFundMe page.
A well-known musician has raised funds for a mental health programme that will benefit a number of schools in County Kildare, as well as schools throughout Ireland.
It’s no secret that in addition to being a pop star and former athlete Niall 'Bressie' Breslin also has a large passion for mental health awareness, and is the co-founder of the charity A Lust for Life (ALFL).
In yet another venture to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining positive mental health, on June 30 last, Bressie, in association with ALFL), kayaked the length of the River Shannon: a whopping journey of over 300km.
Dubbed 'The Rising', the challenge started at Dowra on the shores of Lough Allen and finished at the mouth of the Shannon in Limerick city on July 6, at King John’s Castle.
'The Rising' is a concept that Bressie developed alongside Ray Carolan, from Lakeland Kayaks.
Speaking about the challenge, Bressie said: "It is a metaphor for life really: we all encounter rough parts of life, and while it’s not always easy, with the right tools and skills, navigating through these stormy times becomes less daunting."
The kayakers. From left to right- Paul Boyce, Joe Nangle, Niall 'Bressie' Breslin, Colin Clarke, Ray Carolan of Lakeland Kayaks, Shane 'Dav' Davitt.
He added: "Our school programs aim to do exactly that: equip the children of Ireland with the necessary skills and tools to cope with life’s challenges, and that work has to begin now."
"We know the power of early intervention models of care."
The event has raised around €130,000, and will go towards ALFL’s school mental health programme, which was established in 2020.
Over 1,000 Irish schools (one in three) have already registered for the programme, including 21 schools in County Kildare.
The free programme is already available to children in 1st — 6th, and ALFL has said that it aims to make the programme available for every primary school child in Ireland by the end of 2024.
To donate to ALFL, visit www.alustforlife.com.
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