Sean Kelly and Stephen Roche reunite for special Limerick cycling event

TWO of Ireland’s greatest cycling legends, Sean Kelly and Stephen Roche, reunited on the roads once again, as they came together to support the Sean Kelly Three Counties Cycle in aid of Down Syndrome Limerick on Sunday, September 20.

Kelly and Roche put their competitive history aside to share the roads for a very special cause, creating a memorable and historic occasion for cycling in Limerick.

Hosted at TUS, the day began with a special Q&A session, giving participants the opportunity to hear the two cycling greats reflect on their remarkable careers, their experiences as rivals and their journeys through professional cycling.

Cyclists had a choice of a 50km or 100km route, taking in the pleasant, rolling roads of Limerick, Tipperary and Clare before returning to TUS to enjoy a fantastic BBQ, with refreshments and ice cream providing a well-earned celebration after the day of cycling.

The ice cream was supplied by Sarah Casey, a young entrepreneur with Down syndrome who runs her own business, ‘Sarah’s Delicious Imperfectionz’.

Sarah’s involvement added another particularly meaningful dimension to an event centred around inclusion, opportunity and supporting people with Down syndrome.

A particularly special part of the day was seeing two members of the Down syndrome community take part in and complete the 50km cycle.

Their participation reflected the inclusive spirit of the event, where people came together in different ways to support a shared cause.

A spokesperson for Down Syndrome Limerick said: “the focus is not on what every person with Down syndrome can or cannot do, but on ensuring that individuals and families have access to the support, opportunities and services they need to live fulfilling lives on their own terms.”

Speaking about the event, Ellen Tuffy, treasurer of Down Syndrome Limerick said: “This was an extraordinary day for Down Syndrome Limerick and for Limerick as a whole. To see 750 people come together from across Ireland and around the world, alongside Sean Kelly and Stephen Roche, was something very special.

"Events like this are vital in helping us raise awareness and generate the funds needed to provide the services and supports that people with Down syndrome and their families rely on throughout their lives.

"Every person with Down syndrome should have access to the right support and opportunities to live the life they choose, and the generosity of our sponsors and supporters helps us work towards making that possible.”

Down Syndrome Limerick would like to extend its sincere thanks to everyone who made the event possible, including the organisers, volunteers, sponsors, supporters and the team at TUS.

It was a historic day for Limerick, a memorable reunion for two of Ireland’s greatest cycling rivals and, most importantly, an opportunity to come together to support of Down Syndrome Limerick.