PICTURE SPECIAL: Honouring ten years of Sarah’s Cycle in Tipperary

When you ask anyone at the Down Syndrome Tipperary branch to tell you about Sarah Dillon from Clonmel, they say she was a beautiful dancer.

They say she loved animals, especially her dogs, and she was the only child of Trisha and Brian Dillon.

Sarah passed away at the age of ten, which was ten years ago this year.

She is greatly missed, but her life is celebrated with an annual cycle.

The ten-year anniversary cycle took place on Sunday, February 25, at TUS Thurles.

Funds raised went to Meitheal 21 in Thurles.

Co-chair of Meitheal 21 (Down Syndrome Tipperary) Angela Corcoran told the Tipperary Star a little about Sarah and her memorial cycle.

“She just loved dancing, and she had a lovely energy about her. She was a beautiful little girl.

“She was part of our branch, and she used to come to all the different events,” said Angela.

SARAH’S CYCLE

Around 180 people registered for this year’s event. For some the weather was off putting, but others braved the rain and cold. Cyclists could either cycle a 50k or 100k route with a halfway point set up in Dundrum. On their return, the canteen in TUS Thurles filled up twice over, and everyone was in good spirits.

“Loads of clubs and groups travel for the cycle. People from different branches come as well and people from the area.

“They come from up the country, down the country, they come from everywhere to support Sarah’s cycle,” said Angela.
Monies raised fund the centre’s many activities to support people with Down Syndrome and their families.

Meitheal means community and represents the enormous efforts of people in Tipperary to make the centre the success it is today. And 21 represents the extra chromosome people with Down Syndrome are born with.

Member’s of Meitheal 21 were on hand all day, handing out water and protein bars and making sure everyone had tea. They posed for photos, answered questions and registered all the cyclists.

“Which is great because you want to see what the cause is for. So, it is great to see our members so active.

“They are all well capable of doing anything they want to do. At the end of the day, it’s all about them,” said Angela.

In addition to the cycle, the Rock of Cashel was lit up pink in Sarah’s honour.

THANK YOU

Angela and the committee wish to thank all those who made this year’s event a success.

In particular they would like to thank Anthony and James, who catered the event, Mick Mackey for the music, the marshals and stewards and the Order of Malta.

They would also like to thank TUS for the use of their facilities, the photographers and the Tipperary Star, the parents, families and friends. As well as Sheena Hassett and all the cyclists, the staff and volunteers in Dundrum, Aine from the ETB, and Ray and Tina from RayC Sports.

And, of course Sarah’s parents Trisha and Brian.

“Thank you to anyone who worked hard to put it together and cheered us on because it is team work,” said Angela.

If you would like to support the work of Meitheal 21, you can donate on their idonate page-Down Syndrome Tipperary Branch.

You can also make a donation in their office in Thurles or support any of their annual events.

The main fundraising event for Meitheal 21 is the Tour de Munster, held in August.

The group will hold a bucket collection in the run-up to that event.