Cork family prepares to take part in Tour de Munster for cause close to their heart

The 25th edition of the Tour de Munster is set to hit the road next week.

Marking a major milestone, the four-day charity cycle will once again see more than 120 riders take on the challenging route across Munster from August 7-10.

Leah Heavin, from east Cork, is very proud of her dad, Aodan, who is taking part in the cycle for the fourth year in a row.

Her mum, Nuala, will be involved in fundraising at the event, which has raised more than €15 million for the Munster branches of Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI).

This provides funding for vital services and provides support for children and adults with Down Syndrome across the province.

Aodan is a mighty man, isn’t he?

“Yes, he is,” says Leah, 14.

Aodan is something else as well, according to his daughter, who has twin brothers, Conall and Darragh, 17.

“He is very handsome!” says Leah.

Is she a daddy’s girl?

“Oh yes I am!” says Leah, who often makes scrambled eggs on toast for her dad.

The proud dad of three wanted to raise funds for DSI Cork because Leah has benefited greatly from the organisation’s work.

How did Aodan first become involved in the 600km route, raising funds for DSI, and specifically for Down Syndrome Cork?

“My friend Jason encouraged me to get in to cycling,” says Aodan.

“And he gave me the loan of a bike one day.

“I bought my first bike through the cycle-to-work scheme and then upgraded two years ago.

“I got involved with a group of cyclists doing 20km to 30km on a regular basis and then progressing to a distance of 100km.

“Jason and his friends are strong cyclists.”

“So I had to get quite strong to keep up and not lag behind!”.

They were all in it together.

“The link to the charity is very important,” says Aodan.

“The cycling group has a family feel and having a reunion every August is great. When people along the 600km route cheer us on, it gives us a great lift and it can be quite emotional. It is pretty amazing cycling with all the lads for a good cause.”

It can be an event where the families and communities extend the hand of friendship.

“We’ve made great friends over the years connecting with cyclists in Cork, Clare, Limerick, Tipperary and Kerry,” says Aodan. “We always get a great welcome.”

The welcome and the enthusiastic cheering from the sidelines help the cyclists reach their pinnacle.

“On the fourth day, we have to get from the bottom right up to the top of a fair height,” says Aodan.

“There is a great buzz and a bit of fear too! Fortunately, we have enough energy and spirit to keep going.”

A vital cog in the wheel to raise vital funds for Down Syndrome Cork is the support from the public.

From family, friends, and the wider community, the message is the same.

“Everyone is encouraged to support Down Syndrome Cork,” says Aodan.

“People are very good.”

The cyclists are very good too, climbing mountains and difficult terrain over four gruelling days.

“We remain undeterred and totally committed,” says Aodan.

“The training is done, and the preparation is done. Having cycled the route now for four years, you get used to it.”

What part of the route is the most daunting part?

“The Kerry region can be tricky,” says Aodan.

“The Conor Pass is challenging, even on a fine day. The weather conditions can often be unfavourable, but we all pull together, and we help one another.”

Leah has been attending Down Syndrome Cork since the age of three.

“Down Syndrome Cork provides a great network for parents,” says her mum, Nuala.

“We can help each other figure out the next stage for our children, and the best supports for them.

“Leah has got on so well with her speech and language over the years,” says Nuala.

“She’s involved in drama and dancing, and she plays Gaelic football with her local club, St Coleman’s.

“She plays basketball too. On Tuesdays, she goes to Midleton for special athletics.”

Leah is an all-rounder.

So is mum.

“A group of us parents are doing the Camino in September to raise funds for DSI Cork,” says Nuala.

“The mission is to locate more services to the Field of Dreams. It is an ambitious project.

“We are hoping five or more buildings at the site will house clinical therapies. And a sensory garden is on the cards.

“We are aiming to meet the needs of the DS population. Field of Dreams gives adult children great hope for employment. We want a future of hope.”

All the mums and dads are on board.

Leah’s mum is definitely on board.

“I am the taxi driver!” says Nuala, whose sons are very involved in GAA.

“Chauffeuring is my main job!”

She has another job besides her career as a physiotherapist.

“I am usually the one shaking the bucket!”

The cyclists on the Tour de Munster, on the same mission, have a lot in common.

“It is a great outlet for the dads,” says Nuala.

“They enjoy the cráic and the banter. They link up, spending time together, and make buddies. It’s all good.”

Leah, enjoying her hot chocolate topped with marshmallows, is a good chatter.

“My favourite subjects in school are woodwork and home economics,” she says.

She’s into the pop scene too.

“I like Sabrina Carpenter and Ariana Grande.”

Leah is ambitious.

“I want to be a singer!” she says.

Leah is into fashion too.

“My favourite colours are pink and blue,” she says.

Leah and her dad share a special bond.

“We have a special bond,” agrees Aodan.

“Leah is full of personality. We enjoy the craic together and having slagging matches. We get a great kick out of that.”

Leah has made new buddies like her dad.

“She’s gotten to know most of the cyclists,” says Aodan.

He knows the money raised from the Tour de Munster will benefit the DSI Cork community greatly.

“Over 14 years, it is great to see where the money goes,” says Aodan.

“Others can see the massive progression Leah has made through DSI Cork since her early days.

“She gets compliments all the time about her speech and language.”

Leah tells me that her dad is her hero.