Fundraising skydive will remember much-loved Conor

FAMILY and friends are taking to the skies to remember their loved one while raising money for Pieta House and men’s mental health.

Conor Duffy from Rathoe had celebrated his 21st birthday just two weeks before his tragic death last year. The talented sportsman played rugby with Tullow Rugby Club and had captained the Leinster U18s rugby team.

As Conor’s first anniversary approaches, his brother Shane and close friend Kate O’Sullivan are undertaking a skydive at the Irish Parachute Club in Edenderry on Saturday 19 October to raise funds for the suicide prevention charity, which has helped over 70,000 people in distress since opening its doors in 2006.

Describing Conor as “one of a kind”, Kate said the charity is one that is “close to her heart”, adding: “we want to raise funds to support Pieta House in their mission to save lives”.

In 2022, donations to Pieta House helped to deliver more than 50,000 hours of therapy and maintain the 24/7 phoneline, which received almost 100,000 calls and texts from close to 700 households bereaved by suicide.

Kate told The Nationalist that life without Conor hasn’t been easy. She said her friend was an “incredible person” who everyone loved. “He was always there; he was so well liked,” she said.

The hope is to remember Conor while raising awareness about men's mental health and encourage people to open up about their own struggles. 

“Men’s mental health isn’t talked about. I think it’s a lot easier for women to vent and get things off our chests, so highlighting it is our main focus,” said Kate. 

“I was blown away with the amount of support we’ve gotten. I couldn’t get over it,” she added.

Anyone wishing to donate can do so at: Fundraiser by Kate Marie O'Sullivan : Skydive in memory of Conor Duffy (gofundme.com)