Tuam man set for four-day cycling challenge

Suffered serious spinal injuries

Eight years after a life-changing spinal injury, Tuam native Conor O’Dea is proving what’s possible one kilometre at a time.

Conor, who lives in Limerick, suffered serious spinal cord injuries while training for an ultra-marathon in 2018. He was told he wouldn’t cycle again. However, while Conor’s recovery and rehabilitation was considerable, he has persevered and succeeded in getting back on the saddle – just differently.

Two years ago Conor completed a Malin to Mizen Head fundraising challenge with several of his siblings, cousins and extended family and tomorrow (Thursday, August 7) he will embark on the Tour de Munster Challenge to raise funds for Down Syndrome Ireland. 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.

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.”

Conor’s fundraising page is at www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/ConorODea54221