Conrad McCullough was declared a cycling hero over the weekend after a lifetime of defying the odds.
The 31-year-old Co Clare man, who has Down syndrome, was lauded by his parents, clubmates and event organisers after he completed the 120km Skoda Ring of Clare on Saturday.
Conrad’s mother Breda said: “When he was born the doctors wanted to take him away and said we didn’t have to keep him. It was scary to hear them say that. I will never forget it.
“I made a promise there and then to him that we would do everything possible for him.
“But on days like today, looking back at his journey, it’s Conrad who has done so much more for us.
“His three older brothers were into cycling and he just wanted to do what they were doing.
“At about six years old we got him a little bike and he got battered and bruised but he was already showing the spirit and determination to overcome challenges and that’s what he’s done all his life.”
