Two major events taking place in Upperchurch in the coming weeks; The Upperchurch Dromane Vision Walk on Sunday July 28th 2013 (Note full details shown on poster displayed above,) and the Upperchurch Drombane Cycling Club (UDCC) which are inviting you to join them in Upperchurch, Thurles, Co Tipperary for their Annual Charity Cycle on Sunday 1st September 2013.
Their Irish National Tandem-Para Time Trial Champions (2013) Peter Ryan and Damien Shaw will be present at this cycle.
Peter Ryan of Drombane, a member of UDCC, suffers from Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy which leads to the loss of central vision. Peter first experienced the effects of LHON at the age of 20 with his condition worsening by the time he turned 21, when he effectively lost sight in both eyes, Peter is now just 23.
Prior to Peter experiencing the effects of LHON, he was a keen GAA player for the Upperchurch/Drombane Minor and Under 21 Hurling teams. He also played football and soccer for Upperchurch/Drombane. Peter was employed locally by OMC engineering; and has been unable to work since his condition deteriorated.
Following his sight loss, Peter has been focussing on building a life and finding a passion to take on. Following the success of the Irish Olympic and Paralympic teams in London 2012, the Cycling Ireland call for Para-cyclists in October 2012 was the catalyst that brought Peter and cycling together.
Peter had his first race (a time trial) in March 2013 and while the team finished 3rd, it was a very respectable result for a new comer to cycling. Since then, Peter has focussed on his training and was fortunate enough to get a pilot for the National Tandem-Para Time Trial Championships in June 2013, and along with his pilot Damien Shaw, put in a brilliant effort to post the fastest time on the day.
In the past UDCC with your help has raised money for other local charities (Suir Haven Hospice and Nenagh Rehab), this year the Upperchurch/Drombane community have chosen to support Peter as he attempts to get on the Irish Cycling team for the World Tandem-Para cycling championships in Canada in September.
They would greatly appreciate your support by letting your club members know that this event is on. There will be 100km, 50km and 25km routes available on the day. Refreshments will be provided on the longer route and following all of the cycles events in the Upperchurch village Hall.
Enjoy the challenge and of course the wonderful scenery, as you cycle in the pure clean air of the Slieve Felim mountains.
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