Munster legend Ian Keatley to abseil for Jack and Jill with families at Thomond Park

RETIRED Munster star Ian Keatley will be swapping his jersey and boots for a helmet and harness when he returns to his former playing ground of Thomond Park this Thursday to help raise vital funds for the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation.

He is now calling on fellow dare devils to join him as he abseils a total of 45m/125ft off the east end of Thomond Park stadium this Thursday, May 16.

Having participated in last year’s event, Fiona Duff from Kilruane, Tipperary commented. "I would highly recommend for people to take part in this year’s abseil in Thomond Park. The whole experience was amazing from start to finish.  

"My beautiful daughters Isobel and Tess who are sadly no longer with us had been supported by the charity and I still consider myself a Jack and Jill mum and try to fundraise at least once a year for this wonderful foundation. I would really encourage people to get involved - they won’t regret it!"

Anyone looking to join Ian on this memorable day is urged to register now via www.jackandjill.ie as places are filling up fast.   Funds raised from the abseil will go directly to support 20 Jack and Jill families across Limerick County.  

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Regarding the upcoming event Margaret Naughton, liaison nurse manager for County Limerick, said: "Our annual abseil at Thomond Park is a great day out for everyone and each €18 raised will help support one hour of Jack and Jill nursing care with in-home respite and end-of-life care for children within our community with highly complex medical needs.  

"We are extremely grateful for the ongoing support of people from across County Limerick to enable us to continue to provide this vital service."

Joining Ian on the day will be staff from several local companies including Circle K and WP Engine along with several Jack and Jill family members and supporters. 

Kicking off from 10am at the iconic Thomond Park Stadium on Thursday May 16, the Abseil in Aid of Jack and Jill promises to be a great day out for any fan of rugby or those with a sense of adventure looking for a new challenge.