THE Kerry Ladies Footballers and Kerry Mental Health Association have launched the second annual Human Chain Challenge on Strickeen Mountain in the Gap of Dunloe from 9am on Sunday 6th October 2024.

The All-Ireland Football Champions are encouraging mothers and others, which may include fathers, brothers, sons and daughters, to take part in what is sure to be a fun FREE event for all the family.

The Human Chain Challenge will provide an opportunity for everyone to make a colourful show of support for people with mental health challenges, their families and carers in Kerry.

Pictured at Kate Kearney’s Cottage: All-Ireland Winning Kerry Footballer from Killarney Photo By : Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD

The General Manager of Kerry Mental Health Association, John Drummey, said: “The Human Chain Challenge will take place during the Kerry Mental Health & Wellbeing Fest on Sunday 6th October. The event fulfils each aim of the Five Ways To Wellbeing – Connect | Be Active | Take Notice | Keep Learning | Give. We are delighted to have the All-Ireland Ladies Football Champions on board and we are inviting other community groups from around Kerry to join us in making the Human Chain Challenge. Kerry Mental Health Association is grateful to the local landowners and the MacGillycuddy Reeks Access Forum for facilitating the event again this year. This year’s event has been kindly sponsored by Kate Kearney’s Cottage in the Gap of Dunloe.”

Pictured at Kate Kearney’s Cottage were: Sean Coffey (Owner Kate Kearney’s Cottage), All-Ireland Winning Kerry Footballer, Faye O’Donoghue; Paul Murphy (Kerry LGFA); and Conor Hennigan (Kerry Mental Health Association), Photo By: Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD

As the land is privately owned, advance registration is necessary at Human Chain Challenge On Strickeen Mountain – Kerry Mental Health & Wellbeing Fest (kerrymentalhealthandwellbeingfest.com).

Every walker will receive a FREE bright KMHA-branded bandana to be worn for the Official Human Chain Challenge Drone picture which will be taken at the first stage of the ascent.

Domnick Walsh’s excellent drone picture of the 2023 Human Chain on Strickeen Mountain

The registered walkers will need to wear appropriate clothing and footwear, children must be accompanied by responsible adults and dogs are not permitted. Car-pooling is also recommended as limited parking spaces will be available.

In the interest of safety, Kerry Mountain Rescue will be on 24-hour call and the Killarney Order of Malta will be on site at the foot of the mountain to provide First Aid assistance if required.

Kerry Mental Health Association supports the Leave No Trace campaign and will be encouraging all participants to leave Strickeen Mountain in the spotless condition that they found it.

The Human Chain Challenge at Strickeen on Sunday 6th October will be preceded by the annual #TieDayFriday Fundraising event on Friday 4th October – both taking place to coincide with World Mental Health Day on 10th October.To register for FREE for the Human Chain Challenge visit Human Chain Challenge On Strickeen Mountain – Kerry Mental Health & Wellbeing Fest (kerrymentalhealthandwellbeingfest.com).