After losing his sight over a decade ago, Cork man fulfils his cycling dream

The feat, which saw Donal Ahern cycle in tandem with bike pilot Paul Birchall for almost three hours, had been nearly two years in the making

Blind cyclist Donal Ahern and his tandem bike partner Paul Birchall arriving into Ballynoe after cycling from Mallow, Co Cork. Picture: David Keane

After losing his sight, it seemed like an impossible dream for an East Cork cyclist who was determined to one day triumphantly ride back to his home village.

However, Donal Ahern succeeded in cycling from Mallow to Ballynoe over the weekend, capturing the imagination of his community, who turned out in force to laud his achievement. 

The 27-year-old arrived back to a joyful homecoming organised by friends and family who celebrated the important milestone by gathering in the Blue Cottage Kitchen which recently opened in the area.

Donal, who has a number of other health conditions linked to the rare condition Alström, was joined by his cycling partner and tandem bike pilot Paul Birchall. The feat, which saw the pair cycle in tandem for almost three hours, had been nearly two years in the making.

Donal had expressed an interest in navigating the route after he and Paul first started cycling together two years ago.

Paul previously owned the bicycle shop Pi Cycles in Mallow but later set up the voluntary accessible cycling group No Limits Just Pedal. The north Cork native had been inspired to help others after working with Donal and seeing the freedom it offered him.

This is not the first time Donal, who began losing his sight at 13, has overcome adversity. A talented accordion player, the amateur cyclist graduated from South East Technological University with a Master of Science in Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology in 2024.

Donal, whose parents Paddy and Mary were beaming with pride at the homecoming, was humbled by the positive reaction.

“When I heard what had been planned, I was saying there was no need, but my dad loves organising things so this really just spiralled. You just have to go with the flow and take the pictures. I was just hoping he wouldn’t invite too many people, but you never know with my dad.” 

Donal is known for being hugely popular in the area.

“We would be fairly well known around here,” he said of his family. “Dad is involved with most things, and mum helps out when she has the time.” 

Blind cyclist Donal Ahern and his tandem bike partner Paul Birchall in Ballynoe after cycling from Mallow, Co Cork. Picture: David Keane

Mary spoke with immense pride and fondness for her son.

"As well as being blind, he is also hearing impaired. He’s had all this to deal with along with other medical issues, but he’s doing well. 

"Donal is very popular in the area, so every achievement is celebrated. We were expecting a good turnout because we knew that anybody who could be there would be there. 

"This is a big achievement even though I know Donal will play it down. We are really proud. Age doesn’t come into it. We will always be proud of Donal and how well he has done. 

"He was probably a bit nervous about how this would all go, but we knew it would be fine. Even though this was a huge challenge it wasn’t a race. It’s just great to see Donal achieving so much.” 

Donal has inspired other family members to get involved too.

Blind cyclist Donal Ahern and his tandem bike partner Paul Birchall along with family and friends in Ballynoe after completing their cycle from Mallow, Co Cork. Picture: David Keane

Mary said: “Our daughter Grace did the training course, and we’re hopeful that she will get enough confidence soon to become a pilot. It’s really important to have a good pilot for tandem cycling. 

"Paul had promised Donal from the start that he would source him a tandem bike and have it up and running. He delivered on that promise, and now he has No Limits Just Peddle. 

"I know he helps lots of other people who have so many different conditions. There are a number of people with Down syndrome cycling with him, and he has helped so many to cycle.”