Laois Man Part Of Group Making History On Mount Kilimanjaro

Wednesday, 2 August 2023 16:08

Photo Credit: highest.harp.concert Instagram

He was among 18 others in the team attempting the hike.

A Laois man, is part of a group, making history on the top of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Portlaoise's David Seale was among a team of 18 to help Siobhan Brady break a World Record for playing the Harp at the highest altitude.

The 24-year-old previously set the record at an altitude of more than 16,000 feet at Singla Pass in India.

The concert, at the Summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, lasted 20 minutes where the Limerick woman played traditional Irish compositions.

Following a quick descent to the lower Barufa Camp and onwards to the nearby town of Moshi, Miss Brady shared:

“We are elated beyond words and immensely proud of the incredible team and support that made this ambition dreamt up a few years ago, somehow become a reality. The final hours before reaching the summit were a real test of resilience, however we somehow made it through and found the perfect moment for the concert with only the clouds below us”.

“It’s been an unforgettable experience, rewarding and challenging in equal measure and I know I speak from all of the team when I thank everyone who sent in messages from far and wide. The constant encouragement and support made some of the steps forward all that bit easier”.

One of the first to offer their congratulations to the entire team, was CEO of Cystic Fibrosis Ireland, Philip Watt, who along with his colleagues and many members of the Cystic Fibrosis community in Ireland and further afield, have been closely following their progress.

“We are proud that the Highest Harp Challenge team has had a successful ascent and reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa’.

“We know this has been a supreme effort for all the team and with many months of planning, including for our colleague Caroline Heffernan who has cystic fibrosis. We are very respectful of the fact that Kilimanjaro is not only the highest mountain in Africa but is also a sacred mountain for many in Tanzania and we pay tribute to the many who assisted the team in reaching the summit and making a safe return’.

“Many congratulations to Siobhan Brady and her team for this fundraising initiative and for topping her own world record in playing the ‘highest harp’ at such a high altitude and many thanks to the leader of the climb, Pat Falvey the renowned Irish climber’

“We do not underestimate how difficult this challenge was and we look forward to welcoming them all back to Ireland. With much respect and gratitude to the Highest Harp Concert Challenge for organising this initiative. Funding from this challenge will support the key work of Cystic Fibrosis Ireland”.