In August of this year Dr Ashleigh Byrne-O’Brien sadly passed away at the young age of thirty eight.

Ashleigh worked in the College of Medicine and Health as a successful Research and Innovation Coordinator. Known for her warmth and kindness, Ashleigh touched the lives of everyone around her and her memory will be cherished by her numerous friends and colleagues.

Ashleigh and her husband Richard O’Brien shared a passion for athleticism and adventure, including their planned participation in the Haría Titán in Northern Lanzarote on November 16.

The Haría Titán is a challenging endurance race that allows participants to explore various routes and ultra trails while testing their endurance in a stunning natural setting.

Always up for a challenge, the trail that Ashleigh had opted for is a 22km uphill run on the ‘Island of Volcanoes’.

Ashleigh’s husband, Richard, and their close friend, Niall Burke, completed this challenging trail in memory of Ashleigh, as a fitting tribute to her spirit of adventure, athleticism, and endurance. 

In support of Richard’s and Niall’s efforts, UCC has set up a fund in memory of Ashleigh. All funds donated will be directed to a cause close to Ashleigh’s heart, and will be chosen by her husband Richard, upon completion of the race.

Richard and Niall successfully completed this challenging trail on November 16.

If you would like to support both Richard and Niall as they fund raise in memory of Ashleigh, you can make a donation directly to the Dr Ashleigh Byrne-O’Brien Memorial Fund at https://alumni.ucc.ie/abyrnefund.