The Greatest Show on Earth

Imagine for a second what it would be like to do something that you really enjoy, alongside very friendly people with no egos, whilst helping the most beautiful children overcome obstacles they were born with. Well, if you do the training, are willing to do the fundraising, and get Paul Sheridans’ seal of approval, you could get to experience something uniquely special and become part of the Tour de Munster family.

Setting off from the English Market in Cork last Thursday morning with a Garda escort, tv cameras running and a huge turnout of supporters and well wishers the atmosphere was electric. Many families of children with down syndrome from branches in Cork, Waterford, Tipperary, Limerick, Clare and Kerry were there, and the smiles on their faces gave us a huge boost as we clipped in and headed off, aware of just why we were all taking on such a big cycling challenge. 600km over 4 days, including some of Munsters’ hardest roads and most iconic climbs was never going to be easy, but few of the most rewarding moments in life ever are.

After a quick stop in Middleton it was at the second stop of the day in Lismore that I noticed the first of many examples of just how much this group of cyclists travel not as a team, but as a family. One guy who had struggled a bit on an earlier climb was standing off to the side, partially hidden behind a support van with his head dropped. Then another guy caught my attention. He was just about to take a cup of coffee from one of the supporters when he looked over and saw his fellow cyclist looking downbeat. Quick as a flash, the coffee cup was forgotten and he was straight over with one hand outstretched for a handshake whist the other went around the shoulder. I couldn’t hear what was said but within twenty seconds I saw two smiling faces again.

Next came one of the famous ‘Hammer Drops’ from Lismore to Clogheen over the Vee. The way that the Tour de Munster is structured it caters for all levels of cyclists who have put in the training. Some are very happy to ride along in their group all day at a steady pace whilst others will feel a burning need to push themselves. Normally about 40 or so take on each hammer drop and it is like a full on race where every tank is emptied. This system works exceptionally well. Even the fittest and strongest guys and girls having gone really deep are very happy to settle back into the normal pace of their group each time.

In Clogheen another mini feast awaited. This was also where we met Cillian and Connor Keane from Ardfinnan. Two inspiring young brothers who went around to every single cyclist and said hello and asked their names. Some they knew already. This was another remarkable feature of the event. Many of the children have now grown up with the Tour de Munster. Each year accompanying their parents, helping to feed and encourage all of the cyclists.

On through Cahir and the groups were rolling along smoothly. There were 9 in total made up of 12 – 15 in each. On the road keeping each group separate allowed for traffic to get by when it was safe to do so. The motorbike marshals were also incredible at stopping traffic at every junction.

The twisting road to Tipp Town passed by quickly and we were soon in Ballykisteen hotel for lunch where once again we were given a fantastic welcome. Limerick now beckoned and it was within the medieval walls of King Johns Castle where we got to listen to parents of children with down syndrome tell their story about the difference that the money raised by the cycle has made to the lives of their entire families, which was another stark reminder of just why everyone was there doing the event.

Another hammer drop on the way to Killaloe and the Lakeside hotel which was our base for the night. A good hearty meal was followed by real treat. The evenings entertainment was a wonderful dance performance by the children of Down Syndrome Tipperary. So good was it, that there was a standing ovation with smiles abounding.

Early morning sunshine soon gave way to some dark wet clouds as we headed for Ennis at the start of Day 2. Here the remarkable Conor O’Dea joined us for the journey to the ferry in Killimer. If ever there was a person who embodies the positive can do spirit of the Tour de Munster, it is Conor. An accident a few years ago now means that he cycles on 3 wheels instead of 2 but he appreciates every single kilometre he gets to cover, and that attitude is infectious, especially if you feel a bit lazy or soft in the rain. Get out there, do it and enjoy it, just like Conor.

The great explorer and leader of men Tom Crean’s grandson was in Listowel to greet us and have a chat. A quiet dignified man with his grandfathers steel in his eye. Large numbers from Down Syndrome Kerry were also on hand to fuel us up with food and encouragement as we headed on to our final destination for the day in Tralee.

Day 3 was always going to be the big one and it turned out to be epic. A gale force wind was blowing straight in from the Atlantic as we set of for the Conor Pass. A deluge of rain landed in time with pedals being clipped in and the tone was set. First off at 9am were the ‘Easy riders’, those who wanted to ride out and up over the climb at a manageable pace. Next up came ‘the Bus’ at 9.25, a larger group who push on a little. Then came the ‘Pretenders’ at 9.45 followed by the ‘Contenders’ at 10am. The aim was for the Contenders to catch all of the riders ahead by the summit of the Conor Pass. A task that seemed insurmountable but just like everything else on Tour it proved that anything is possible when John O’Farrell and few of his fellow contenders managed to reel in just about everyone ahead.

Soup and Sandwiches were a welcome relief in Dingle before we were back on the road to Kenmare via Killarney and the final hammer drop of the day on Molls Gap. In Killarney we were treated to a great reception at the Deenagh Lodge Tea rooms which is run by the Down Syndrome Kerry branch as a place to train young adults and offer employment for them. The scones are highly recommended. A little bit more pain was required to get over Molls Gap but once again the crowd of supporters at the summit made it all worth the effort. Tom Creans grandson welcomed us to Listowel and Tom Creans bar welcomed us to Kenmare with his grand daughter Aileen Crean O’Brien treating everyone to very welcome pints of liquid refreshment.

Sunday started out with a blast over the Caha pass before descending down into Glengariff where we met a very special young lady named Anna Russell, who celebrates her birthday each year with the arrival of the Tour de Munster cyclists. Something that she has been doing since before her Dad passed away a few years back. Everyone gathered round to sing happy birthday and the enormous smile on her face was enough to light up the entire street. Yet another reminder of just what this cycling event is all about.

Sean Kelly raised many spirits and lifted many heart rates with his exploits on St. Patricks hill in Cork during the Nissan Classic. Getting to ride with him through the streets of Cork with a Garda escort and sirens blaring gave each of us a small taste of what those halcyon days of Irish Cycling must have felt like on the other side of the barriers. Facing the vertical wall of the hill, looking up at the enormous crowds awaiting our arrival made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. Kelly led the way and I could almost hear Phil Liggett and Jimmy McGee in my ears. The pain of trying to climb a 25% gradient was almost erased by the encouragement of thousands of supporters shouting and applauding. It is a once in a lifetime experience, unless you come back again next year perhaps.

Paul Sheridan organises a very unique event in a very unique way. The time and effort that it must take is enormous. He looks like an ordinary man but in his presence you feel the energy of someone who can move mountains. He gives 100% of himself into trying to help others, and all that he asks in return is that every cyclist on the Tour de Munster does the same.

Children with Down Syndrome are children first and foremost. Just like any child they feel all the same emotions of joy and pain but many have to work harder to learn to speak, along with other normal day to day activities that we all take for granted. The children and their entire families work hard to attain these skills, but the biggest difference that I found was a complete lack of ego. The wonderful children we met at every stop were incredibly open and friendly. Their smiles were like umbrellas when it rained and their homemade posters were our tailwinds when facing the harshest headwind. The goodness of those children and their families seeped across into each and every cyclist and member of the support crew, and this created a truly unique atmosphere. One that I have never experienced before.

These children and their families deserve every ounce of help and support any of us can give so if you have any money to spare, or even if you have to go without that take away coffee for a few days please consider making a small donation to help them out. I guarantee you will feel good about it.

All donations are enormously appreciated and can be made by following this link :

https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/BarryMeehan

Connell and his daughter