Local man climbs Carrauntoohil 15 times to raise funds for animal welfare

By Rebekah O'Reilly

Local man Dann Cooney has climbed Carrauntoohil 15 times over the Bank Holiday weekend in order to raise funds for animal welfare.

The mammoth challenge saw Dann, who hails from Ballinalackey on the Offaly border, climb Ireland's largest mountain a total of 15 times in a row, without sleep and without stopping, to match the height of Mount Everest (8,848m). His routes followed up the Devil’s Ladder, and back down the Zig Zag.

In a post made to Instagram ahead of the challenge, Dann said: "I want to raise as much money as possible for rescue dogs. Dogs who have been abandoned, abused, or forgotten. Dogs who are waiting in shelters, hoping for a second chance. This challenge is for them. Every step. Every summit. Every hour through the night.

"I know it’s going to push me to my absolute limit, physically, mentally, and emotionally, but I believe it’s worth it if it helps even one dog find safety, love, and a home."

A GoFundMe page set up for the challenge has amassed a whopping €16,713 from some 622 donations as of Tuesday, August 5.

Dann is the founder of the organisation Paws For A Purpose, which aims to bring people and their dogs together to help raise money and awareness for dog charities around Ireland.

The Ballinalackey native has done numerous other fundraising challenges for the cause, including carrying a 15kg door to the summit of Carrauntoohil in January of this year in a challenge which amassed over €3,284.

To donate to The Everest for Second Chances challenge, go to: https://gofund.me/5a8ac384

To keep up with Dann's journey, follow him on Instagram and TikTok @discovering_dann