Ciaran Scanlon and Niall Kavanagh Riding 1,000km for Down Syndrome Ireland
Almost 200 bikers, including the comedian Tommy Tiernan, set off today on a three-day, 1,000km journey around Ireland to raise awareness of Down syndrome and to raise funds for Down Syndrome Ireland. For the second year running, brothers-in-law Ciaran Scanlon and Niall Kavanagh, from Dublin, will be taking part - and hoping to help beat last year's efforts, which raised €200,000 for the charity.
Scanlon, who works with Dublin Airport Authority, has been biking since he was a teenager. Kavanagh, who is 24, pulls pints at John Kavanagh's pub, aka the Grave Diggers, in Glasnevin, like seven generations of the family before him. He also works during the day as a landscape gardener.
"Last year we did the tour together, with Niall as a pillion passenger," says Scanlon. "He was the only person with Down syndrome to take part last year, and we are hoping that his participation will encourage more to take part this time around. Last year was incredible - and very tough. The high points for us were the Garda escort we got in Galway and the reception we got when we came into the Phoenix Park."
Scanlon says the event highlights the importance of interacting with people with Down syndrome. "People either tend to overreact or shy away from people with Down syndrome when, in fact, really what they need is to be treated no differently than anyone else. Niall is very active. He enjoys swimming and he works two jobs. This event really helps to highlight these things." In conversation with Michael Kelly
The Rev-up 4 DSI motorcycle tour starts at the Finglas exit of the M50 at 8am today, spending tonight in Galway and tomorrow night in Cork. On Monday it travels through Dungarvan, Co Waterford, Kilkenny and Blessington, Co Wicklow, arriving at the Papal Cross in the Phoenix Park at 5.30pm.
See www.downsyndrome.ie