Pedal Power: Celebrating 28 Years of famed 'Trip to Tipp' cycle

Irelands national sight loss charity Vision Ireland and The Anner Hotel and Leisure Centre, Thurles, have joined forces to thank local Billy Shanahan for his 28 years of running the fundraising cycle Trip to Tipp, which will take place during European Week of Sport 23-30 September.  

Billy, who lives with sight loss, has been raising money for Vision Ireland since before 1998 when he started Trip to Tipp; said, "I am overwhelmed by the generosity of the Anner Hotel and Vision Ireland; they have both been supports in my life. I use the facilities at the Anner every morning, and the team there is fantastic.

"Without the support of Vision Ireland throughout the years, I wouldn’t be where I am today. When I set up Trip to Tipp all those years ago, I didn’t think I would be standing here launching our 28th event. I can't wait to get our new Electric Tandem bike out on the road for a spin."  

This year's Trip to Tipp will kick off on Sunday, September 29th, starting from the Ursuline Sports Complex, Templemore Road, at 9.30 am (registration from 8 am) and is €40. You can choose from a 60—or 120-km cycle. This year also includes a 5 km walk or 10 km run at €10 if cycling is not your thing.

Register today on www.vi.ie/event/28th-annual-trip-to-tipp/. This is a cycling Ireland-licensed event. 

Meanwhile, The Anner Hotel Leisure Centre will run a Spinaton to celebrate European Sports Week. This event will also raise funds for Vision Ireland while highlighting the importance of making sports accessible to all in the community, something the Anner Hotel is committed to achieving.

Leisure Centre Manager Joanne Hubbard explains, "We have many people using our leisure centre daily but none more committed than Billy Shanahan. He is here every morning for a swim and to use the gym.

"Billy has inspired us to make our leisure centre accessible for all! We were delighted to team up with Vision Ireland to gift Billy this bike, it's something we know will keep him on the road for a while longer, and we are so happy to be a part of making that happen." 

For further information or to organise an interview, please contact - [email protected]