There’s still time to sign up for the Icy Plunge for Asthma – but not for much longer!
September 4, 2026
On Thursday 17 September, businesses, colleagues, friends and individuals will come together at the Sandymount Hotel in Dublin to brave the cold and raise vital funds to support children and families living with asthma.
And this year, they’ll be joined by Rory O’Connor, aka Rory’s Stories, who is taking on the challenge as an Icy Plunge ambassador.
A bestselling author and stand-up comedian, Rory has lived with asthma since childhood. He knows first-hand how the condition can affect children’s confidence and ability to take part in everyday activities.
“I’ve had asthma for as long as I can remember. Growing up, the worry of having an asthma attack or not having my inhaler with me could stop me taking part in things other kids did. For thousands of kids around Ireland, that worry is part of their day-to-day life.”
“The Asthma Society is helping kids stay involved and get on with being kids. That’s why I’m taking on the Icy Plunge for Asthma challenge. I would encourage everyone to rally their teams and raise funds to help young people live a happy, healthy, active life.”
Why the Icy Plunge matters
Around one in ten children in Ireland has asthma.
The return to school is a particularly important time for children with asthma, with emergency hospital visits and admissions among children with asthma rising during September.
When asthma is not well controlled, it can affect much more than a child’s breathing. It can interrupt their sleep, education, sport and play, and can leave parents worrying about whether someone will recognise the signs of an asthma attack and know what to do.
Children with asthma miss an additional 5–10 school days a year because of their condition.
But with the right support, children with asthma can take part in the things they love and enjoy a full, active childhood.
That’s what the Icy Plunge is all about.
By taking on a few moments in the cold, participants are showing solidarity with children and families who live with asthma every day – while raising funds to help the Asthma Society continue its work supporting them.
Orla Comerford: “Asthma never held me back”
Rory isn’t the only person with lived experience of asthma supporting this year’s challenge.
We’re also delighted to have Paralympic sprinter and World Para Athletics champion Orla Comerford as an ambassador for the Icy Plunge.
Orla grew up with asthma and knows how important early intervention and the right support can be in helping children stay active.
“I know first-hand what it’s like to grow up with asthma, but I was fortunate to have good support and early intervention that helped me manage it and meant I didn’t have to miss out on sport or being active.”
Orla is supporting the Icy Plunge in the lead-up to the event and is encouraging people across Ireland to get involved.
“Every euro raised helps the Asthma Society support children and their families, so that more children with asthma can enjoy the full, active and happy childhood they deserve. I’d encourage everyone to gather their team, sign up and take the plunge.”
Take on the challenge
The Icy Plunge is designed to be a memorable team experience, but you don’t have to work for a big company or have a team to get involved.
You can take part individually or get a team of colleagues, friends or family together.
On the day, participants will:
- Take part in an expertly guided breathwork session with leading cold-therapy and breathwork instructor Níall Ó Murchú
- Enjoy lunch and refreshments
- Receive an Icy Plunge beanie
- Meet fellow participants and supporters
- Have the chance to hear from Rory and other people with lived experience of asthma
- Receive an official Dryrobe if they raise more than €1,000
The event takes place in the beautiful gardens of the Sandymount Hotel, which a proud Host Partner for the event.
Last year’s inaugural Icy Plunge raised more than €42,000, and this year we’re hoping to go even further.
Where your fundraising goes
Every euro raised helps the Asthma Society support children and families living with asthma.
For 53 years, the Asthma Society has provided free specialist advice, support and education to people affected by asthma across Ireland.
Our work includes the Asthma Summer Camp, delivered with Midlands Regional Hospital Portlaoise, which combines clinical expertise with fun, age-appropriate activities to help children and families manage asthma without missing out on childhood.
Your fundraising helps us continue this work and reach more people who need support.
One last chance to sign up
If you’ve been thinking about taking part, now is the time to do it.
Get your colleagues together. Ask a friend to join you. Or take on the challenge yourself.
Sign up for the Icy Plunge for Asthma on Thursday 17 September and help children with asthma spend less time missing out and more time enjoying a full and active childhood.