Breaking ceilings, in aid of breast and prostate cancer – a charitable cause is born
Back in 2023, a group of senior female leaders across financial services came together to make a difference to cancer patients, survivors and their families, this is how Ceiling Breakers was born.
With their 3rd Ceiling Breakers fundraising ball quickly approaching, four of the original Ceiling Breakers came together with The Panel’s Marketing Manager, Mal Convery, to tell their story and shine a light onto one of Ireland’s Financial Services industry’s newest and perhaps biggest fundraisers.
We want to thank Carin Bryans (Chair & Independent Board Director), Carol Andrews (Global Head of Client Service, Asset Servicing BNY I Co-Chair of Balance for Better Business, Co-Founder of the 30% Club Ireland), Melíosa O’Caoimh (Country Head at Northern Trust Ireland), and Jackie O’Connor (Chair & Independent Board Director) for taking the time to talk to us.
Inspiration
It is truly inspiring to learn more about a charitable initiative like the Ceiling Breakers, not because it is “right to give back” but because the charity they support works within a field most of us have been affected by in some shape or form.
Cancer – breast, prostate, and/or all other forms is indiscriminatory, it is random, haphazard, and lacks all kinds of discernment or selectivity, anyone, anytime can be affected by it.
Ceiling Breakers is the Irish Financial Services collective coming together to aid in the support, care and services of those most vulnerable.
This is their story.
From an idea, a new fundraiser was born
Carol Andrews explained that what began as a light-hearted conversation back in 2019, between herself and Carin Bryans about raising money by abseiling off a building in Grand Canal turned into something far more powerful. Instead of scaling walls, they decided to harness the strength of their networks — bringing together a group of senior female leaders across financial services.
That year, seven senior female financial services leaders came together and decided to take part in Focus Ireland’s “Shine a Light Sleepout for business leaders”. They decided to call their fundraiser “Ceiling Breakers”.
“The experience demonstrated to me just how much impact women can have when we rally together with shared purpose and determination.”
– Carol Andrews –
This was the start of something much bigger.
In 2020, amidst Covid, they repeated this fundraiser, albeit from their respective back gardens, but this time involving nine female leaders, which in 2021 expanded to twelve.
In 2022, a new partnership was formed, and they teamed up with fellow professionals from the Irish Funds community, men and women.
It wasn’t until early 2023, when they chose to channel that same collective energy into a new direction: raising funds and awareness for the Irish Cancer Society, with a particular focus on breast cancer.
Ceiling Breakers – a new direction, purpose, and a dinner
After four years of supporting and fundraising for homelessness, in 2023, the founding members sat down to discuss what they wanted for the future, and a new direction took shape.
The group felt stronger when united on issues – and raising awareness of breast cancer, and funds to support those going through cancer, cancer research initiatives, and advocacy was something they all agreed on. Together with the Irish Cancer Society, they began to plan a special event where the community could come together, and the Ceiling Breakers Gala Dinner was born.
The event was spearheaded by the original founding members and extended to include a total of fifteen senior female financial services leaders.
The overall purpose was to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Promoting the fundraiser and getting people involved
Between all of them, they had great networks in the financial services industry and beyond. Therefore, it was through direct approaches, word of mouth and LinkedIn posts they gathered huge interest in supporting the fundraiser – from sponsorship to table purchases and very generous prizes to raffle and auction on the night.
The inaugural Ceiling Breaker Dinner
On Thursday, the 26th of October 2023, the inaugural Ceiling Breaker Dinner took place at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Dublin City Centre, with over 300 people in attendance. The event raised a remarkable €100,000 for the Irish Cancer Society. Sponsors were Matheson LLP, The Panel, Davy, and EY.
The event featured speeches from both the Irish Cancer Society, Ceiling Breaker members and a sobering story told by Dr Mary Canavan (Irish Cancer Society Board Member and breast cancer survivor).
“The first year took us all by surprise. We had imagined what the night might be like, but nothing prepared us for the success of the evening”.
– Melíosa O’Caoimh –
Year Two
The second Ceiling Breakers Gala Dinner took place on Thursday, 10th of October 2024. This time, the venue had changed to the InterContinental Dublin, facilitating even more attendees.
After a successful event, it was announced that an amazing €150,000 had been raised from individual/corporate fundraising and the auction. Sponsors were Matheson LLP, The Panel, Davy, Fiserv, Northern Trust, and Primark.
Two years of challenges and impact
They all agree that, whilst all of them had been to many fundraising events, none of them had ever organised one, it was a big challenge. Fortunately, they had great logistical support and were able to get sponsors on board quickly. Jackie O’Connor highlights that The Panel and Matheson LLP have been with them since the start, which they are incredibly grateful for.
“As you can imagine it was often tricky to find time in the very busy diaries of the group, so last year we created a subcommittee to manage the details which has definitely helped.”
– Jackie O’Connor –
Melíosa adds that the last two years have taught all of them the power that they have to make a meaningful impact when they come together as a team. She says, “It is incredible”.
2025 – New efforts
This year, Ceiling Breakers chose to go a step further, expanding their efforts to include prostate cancer under the tag line “We Are In This Together”.
“Now more than ever, we see the importance of breaking down gender barriers and creating a truly inclusive conversation around health. By uniting the strength of women with the incredible support of our male allies, we can encourage more men to speak openly, seek help, and feel seen in the fight against cancer.”
– Carol Andrews –
With the gala dinner being sold out months ago, it promises to be another fantastic event.
Sponsors for 2025 are Matheson LLP, The Panel, Northern Trust, KPMG, Fiserv, Tesco, and PTSB.
Ceiling Breakers – 2019 until 2025
Over the last six years, the group of participants has changed, this has been due to people’s careers having changed and/or their ability to commit time. However, from the original seven members, it has now grown into its current lineup of fifteen senior female leaders, with many more supporting them along the way.
2019 (7) Ann Prendergast, Jackie O’Connor, Carin Bryans, Elaine Keenan, Melíosa O’Caoimh, Fiona Gallagher, and Carol Andrews.
2025 (15) Ann Prendergast, Jackie O’Connor, Carin Bryans, Elaine Keenan, Melíosa O’Caoimh, Fiona Gallagher, Carol Andrews, Eve Finn, Nicola Vavasour, Helen Kelly, Sinead Mahon, Fiona Flannery, Carmel Jordan, Katia Karpova, and Laura Trimble.
What’s next?
With the next event less than a month away, the focus is on current planning, however, they all agree that there is a lot that should and can be done in terms of future fundraising.
Want to donate?
All donations are greatly welcome, big or small.
You can donate using the following link: https://donors.cancer.ie/page/FUNQAPQSLEE
If you would like to learn more about The Irish Cancer Society and how to support their fundraising activities, please contact fundraising@irishcancer.ie.
Knowledge and early detection
Speaking to Jackie O’Connor, she emphasises the high quality of support available in Ireland. She goes on to say that your GP is always the first port of call, but that no matter what, early detection can make all the difference. It’s so important to check yourself regularly and not put off seeing a doctor if something feels off. She believes that we need to keep spreading that message—especially to men.
Breast and prostate cancer – individual journeys
All Ceiling Breakers who spoke to Mal, during the creation of this article, have their own personal connection to cancer and how it has touched them.
They have agreed for her to share these with you, not to make you feel sorry for them, but rather to highlight that cancer is something that surrounds us all. Some people choose to share their journeys, others keep them to themselves. You don’t know what others are dealing with, by choice or by circumstances. This is WHY the services and support of the Irish Cancer Society, and charities just like theirs, matter so much. Patients and survivors aren’t alone, there are people and services there to assist, and initiatives like the Ceiling Breakers are just one enabling them to continue their hugely important work.
Carol Andrew’s story
“One of my closest friends was diagnosed with breast cancer in both breasts and faced the life-changing experience of a double mastectomy. Her journey has been unimaginably tough, yet she has met it with resilience, determination, and courage that inspire me every single day. She is a beautiful person, inside and out, and while watching her struggle left me feeling helpless, it also strengthened my resolve to act. Supporting this cause is our way of honouring not only her strength but also the strength of so many others like her. Together, their stories remind us of the power of hope, community, and solidarity — and that by standing alongside them, we can help drive change and, one day, a cure.”
Jackie O’Connor’s story
“Cancer has touched my life in a very personal way. I lost my dad to it when I was just 11, and over the years, I’ve seen close friends and family members go through breast and prostate cancer. So, this isn’t just a cause I care about—it’s one that’s deeply woven into my own story.”
Carin Bryans story
“During Covid, two close friends of mine were diagnosed with breast cancer. That experience made me acutely aware of the disease—its treatment options, the emotional toll, and the remarkable improvements in survival rates over time. Thankfully, one of them recovered. But heartbreakingly, just as we were organising our first Ceiling Breakers fundraiser, my other friend passed away from breast cancer that had metastasised to her brain.
Her loss was devastating. It underscored how vital it is to raise awareness about self-checking, attending mammograms, and catching any signs as early as possible. The work the Irish Cancer Society does to support these efforts—through advocacy, patient support, and research—is not just important, it’s lifesaving.”
The work of the Irish Cancer Society and fundraisers like the Ceiling Breakers never stops. It is a continuous journey of dedication and support. We would like to thank all who took part in this article, and The Panel wishes everyone a successful event on October 23rd.
To donate to the Ceiling Breaker fundraiser: https://donors.cancer.ie/page/FUNQAPQSLEE
