Irishman told he'd never cycle again after spine injury takes on 640km challenge

Irish Daily Mirror

3 days ago

Eight years after a life-changing spinal injury, Conor O'Dea is proving what's possible one kilometre at a time as he embarks on a massive cycle - all in the name of charity.
When Limerick man Conor was seriously injured in a cycling accident in 2017, he never imagined he'd one day return to one of Ireland's toughest charity bike events.
But this August, alongside his carer Paula and a custom-built trike, he's doing precisely that, taking on the Tour de Munster Challenge to raise funds for Down Syndrome Ireland.
'They told me I wouldn't cycle again, but that was never going to be the end of the story,' says Conor. 'Life didn't end. It just changed.'
Now in its 25th year, the Tour de Munster is a four-day, 640km charity cycle through all six counties of Munster. Conor has taken part both before and after his injury and says the event holds deep personal meaning.
'After the accident, getting back on the road with a trike and feeling the wind in my face, it was nearly emotional,' he recalls. 'Tour de Munster was always a goal for me. The camaraderie, the people, the welcome in every town, it's a family.'
Since his injury, Conor has raised close to €200,000 for charities including Spinal Injuries Ireland, Millimetre 2 Mountains, Challenged Athletes Foundation, Greenmount Cycling Academy, Down Syndrome Limerick and the Tour de Munster Charitable Foundation.
Joining him on the Tour this year will be his Care team, headed by Paula O'Keeffe, Bluebird Care Limerick, who first met Conor at the National Rehabilitation Hospital.
'He was lying in a hospital bed, saying, 'I'm going to get out of this bed. I'm going to walk.' And I just thought, okay, let's try,' she says.
Paula hadn't cycled a bike in 15 years, but after meeting Conor, she signed up for her first triathlon.
'He even inspired me to do that,' she laughs. 'We push each other on. I get just as much out of it as he does.' Young Charie Tuffy with Limerick man Conor O'Dea and his custom-built trike at City Hall, Limerick ahead of the 2025 Tour de Munster, supported by Bluebird Care in aid of Down Syndrome Ireland. They are pictured with Ellen Tuffy, Down Syndrome Limerick, Mark McInerney , Bluebird Care Ireland and Paula O'Keefe. (Image: Eamon Ward)
Conor says their teamwork is what makes this year's Tour so meaningful. 'We've trained together, laughed through the tough days, and now we'll ride together. That means a lot.'
Ellen Tuffy, committee member at Down Syndrome Limerick, said, 'Conor is a beacon of hope and determination.
'His achievements, both physical and mental, are truly extraordinary. He embodies the powerful message that disability does not equate to inability, a belief we hold strongly at Down Syndrome Limerick.
'Conor's journey continues to inspire our members with Down syndrome, showing them that they, too, can challenge and overcome the stereotypes often imposed by society. The unwavering support from Paula and the Bluebird team throughout his journey has been equally uplifting, demonstrating the profound impact that genuine care and belief can have on someone's potential'. Young Charie Tuffy with Limerick man Conor O'Dea and his custom-built trike at City Hall, Limerick ahead of the 2025 Tour de Munster, supported by Bluebird Care in aid of Down Syndrome Ireland. They are pictured with Ellen Tuffy, Down Syndrome Limerick and Paula O'Keefe. (Image: Eamon Ward)
The team is supported by Bluebird Care, who provide nurse-led, premium homecare services across Ireland.
Conor credits their help and Paula's unwavering support with enabling his continued recovery and independence. 'From the very first time Paula came to see me at the NRH, Bluebird Care have been exceptional,' he says. 'And any time I get a wild idea like Cambodia or another Tour, Paula's the first person I call.'
Bluebird Care is also donating towards Conor's Tour de Munster ride, with all funds redirected to Down Syndrome Ireland's six Munster branches.
At Bluebird Care, we believe in ability, resilience, and the power of human connection and Conor and Paula represent all of that and more. Their journey is a shining example of what's possible when compassion meets determination. We are proud to stand behind them as they take on the Tour de Munster, and we encourage everyone to support their remarkable efforts in aid of Down Syndrome Ireland' Mark McInerney, COO, Bluebird Care Ireland.
The Tour de Munster takes place from August 7 to 10, with over 120 cyclists participating in support of families and individuals with Down syndrome across the province. Conor's fundraising page for this year's Tour de Munster can be found here.
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