My Story

Niall O’Brien was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis 20 years ago and we're going to mark that milestone by cycling the length of Ireland - from Mizen Head in Cork to Malin Head in Donegal - in August, raising money for MS Ireland. 

Niall's MS predominantly impacts his left leg so he can no longer run or play sports and can only walk moderate distances without a walking aid. 

This means that his right leg will have to do the bulk of the work throughout the cycle.

If you don’t know what MS is, it’s a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the myelin sheath covering nerves in the brain and spinal cord, causing communication issues, lesions, and symptoms like fatigue, vision problems, numbness, and mobility issues. 

Niall has been exceptionally stoic in his approach to MS over the last 20 years and has been an inspiration to his friends, always focusing on the positives in life and appreciating that he’s still able to do so much. 

Our exceptionally amateur peloton, described by cycling experts as ‘a rolling pack of mid-life crises in Lycra’’, consists of Brian Dorgan, Conor O'Malley, Garrett Power, Liam Tyrrell, Niall O'Brien and Vinny Flood, supported by Alan O'Carroll in our mobile ambulance, as we cycle 687km from Mizen Head to Malin Head via Tralee, Spanish Point, Galway, Westport, Sligo and Letterkenny.

We’ll be raising money for MS Ireland, who provide information, support and resources to people affected by MS and would hugely appreciate any support you can give. Thanks.