WHEN Mags Rodahan from Pallasgreen heard about the determination of her young disabled neighbour, Sean Byrnes, to buy handbikes so he could start a club for other disabled people, she decided to do something to make it happen.
She duly took on an 88 kilometre cycle challenge from Boherroe, Dromkeen in County Limerick to Crosspatrick in County Kilkenny and raised an impressive €7,187.30 in the process.
The entire proceeds went to the Sean Byrnes ATAP (All Things Are Possible) fundraiser and Limerick Hand Trike Club.
Mags trained for three months, cycling mornings, evenings and weekends in all weathers to prepare for the challenge.
The aim of young Sean’s family was to raise €10,000 to purchase five Hand Trikes to start Limerick’s first Hand Trike Club and encourage others with disabilities to try something new.
Sean born with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus has no use of his lower limbs. As a wheelchair user, he completed his fifth 10 kilometre Great Limerick Run on his Hand Trike alongside his mum Fiona last May.
15-year -old Sean wants the club to be inclusive, for people to meet new friends, and enable them to go cycling with family.
“The support and generosity from the community in Mag’s hometown of Crosspatrick was amazing. They organised a coffee morning that raised €1,000 and the welcome Sean received as he joined Mag’s nieces and nephew to cycle the last two kilometres was overwhelming,” said his dad, John.
Caherline National School organised a cake sale that raised €750 while John Kelly and members of Slimming World, Limerick raised €665 while Martin McEvoy of Imtech Engineering in London raised €430.
Friends and neighbours in Cloverfield, Dromkeen, Pallasgreen, Kilteely and Crosspatrick also joined in the fundraising.
Sean’s parents Fiona and John said they want to sincerely thank everyone who supported Sean’s cause.
“Our target has been exceeded, with the total raised now standing at €11,500. Phase two is on the way to purchase the hand trikes. This is a very exciting time and, ahead of schedule, Sean’s ATAP vision is becoming a reality,” said his proud father, John.
To see Sean in action check out his YouTube channel (Sean Byrnes ATAP)
