Fire crew clambers to break record

THE All Blacks just about escaped from Thomond Park last month with their tour clean sheet in tact.

But today, another Limerick team will attempt to lower the New Zealand colours by clambering up a ladder.

The men and women of Limerick’s fire and rescue service will attempt to set a new world record for a 24-hour ladder-climb in the city centre.

As well as attempting a new record the ladder climbers will raise funds for Red Hill School for young people with autism in Patrickswell. Red Hill incorporates the Bluebell ABA school.

The attempt will see 10 firefighters scale a ladder a minimum of 46 times per hour in order to break the current world record held by New Zealand firefighters.

The climb will commence at 4pm outside Debenhams in O’Connell Street and the fire service is asking the public to come along and support the attempt.

Local bands and celebrities will entertain the crowd during the climb.

Fundraising to support the attempt will take place around the city and in Thomond Park during tomorrow’s Heineken Cup game.

Nothing has been overlooked in the preparations — the male firefighters even had their legs shaved to ensure top ladder speed.

Firefighter Paul Knapp said: “In 2005, 10 New Zealand firefighters climbed 109.5km on one ladder so we have a tough 24 hours ahead of us. It will be a real test of our endurance but the important thing is that we will be raising valuable funds for Red Hill School and we hope lots of people will cheer us on and donate to what is a very worthy cause.”

Laura Keane, assistant director of health and social care services, Rehab, said Red Hill School is in the very early stages of development and any funds raised at the event will help give it a great start.

Deirdre Bourke, manager of the Bluebell School, said: “The people of Limerick have always been very generous to the Bluebell School and we look forward to their continued support.”

Red Hill School, under the auspices of Rehab, provides education for children with autistic spectrum disorder. The school opened in September this year.

Rehab provides a range of autism services to children and adults nationwide, including residential, day and respite care, home care and after-school services.