Bluebird Care is proud to support Conor O'Dea as he takes on the Tour de Munster 2025, where he's raising money for Down Syndrome Ireland.
In 2017, Conor was seriously injured in a cycling accident. He was told he would never be able to cycle again. However, his determination has seen him get back on the road on a custom-built trike, raising almost €200,000 for many charities along the way.
We provide nurse-led home care services for Conor in Limerick. Paula O'Keeffe, Bluebird Care Limerick, heads up Conor's care team and first met him at the National Rehabilitation Hospital. They've worked as a team ever since, training together, laughing together and pushing each other on. Paula will be cycling the event alongside Conor.
Bluebird Care will be donating towards Conor's 640km Tour de Munster ride, with all funds redirected to Down Syndrome Ireland's six Munster branches.
Defying the Odds - Conor's Journey Back to the Road
Conor has always been a keen sportsman, regularly competing in triathlons prior to his cycling accident. This left him paralysed from the neck down. However, he was determined not to let this be the end of his life:
They told me I wouldn’t cycle again, but that was never going to be the end of the story. - Conor O’Dea
When Paula met Conor at the National Rehabilitation Hospital, she recalled him lying in his hospital bed saying ‘I’m going to get out of this bed. I’m going to walk’.
Through resilience and determination, Conor is redefining ability. With his custom-built trike, he’s been able to get back out on the road:
After the accident, getting back on the road with a trike and feeling the wind in my face, it was emotional.
Competing in the 25th edition of the Tour de Munster holds deep personal meaning for him too, having taken part before and after his injury.
Tour de Munster was always a goal for me. The camaraderie, the people, the welcome in every town, it’s a family.
Since the accident, Conor has raised almost €200,000 for Spinal Injuries Ireland, Millimetre 2 Mountains, Down Syndrome Limerick, Greenmount Cycling Academy, Challenged Athletes Foundation and the Tour de Munster Charitable Foundation.
The Power and Determination of Teamwork
Paula, alongside his Bluebird Care care team, has supported Conor on his journey. When she heard him state that he was going to get out of his hospital bed and walk, she thought ‘okay, let’s try.’
Conor credits Bluebird’s help and Paula’s unwavering support with his recovery journey and his independence:
From the very first time Paula came to see me at the NRH, Bluebird Care have been exceptional.
Paula hadn’t ridden a bike for 15 years before meeting Conor. Soon after, she signed up for her first triathlon, having been inspired by his commitment. Paula says:
We push each other on. I get just as much out of it as he does. – Paula O’Keeffe
They’re a team, and Conor says that’s what will make this year’s Tour so meaningful, with Paula also taking on the challenge.
Supporting Down Syndrome Ireland Through the Tour de Munster
Conor and Paula will be taking on the Tour de Munster 2025, which will see them:
- Cycle 640km
- Through all six of Munster’s counties, departing from Cork and ending in Limerick
- Alongside more than 120 other cyclists, participating to raise funds to support families and individuals with Down’s syndrome across Munster
- With the event running from 7th to 10th August 2025
How Bluebird Care Ireland Has Helped
We’re sponsoring Conor’s Tour de Munster ride, with funds going to Down Syndrome Ireland’s six Munster branches.
Our home care service provides Conor the personalised, specialist nurse-led support he needs. It allows individuals affected by serious injuries or conditions to receive the care they need in the comfort of their own homes.
Through our services, we look to empower and support people to reach their full potential and live a meaningful live.
At Bluebird Care, we believe in ability, resilience, and the power of human connection and Conor and Paula represent all of that and more. Their journey is a shining example of what’s possible when compassion meets determination.
We are proud to stand behind them as they take on the Tour de Munster, and we encourage everyone to support their remarkable efforts in aid of Down Syndrome Ireland – Mark McInerney, COO, Bluebird Care Ireland
Join Conor in Making a Difference
Conor will be cycling the Tour de Munster from 7th to 10th August 2025. You can support his mission to raise money for Down Syndrome Ireland by donating to his fundraising page.
