Mondello 24 – A participant perspective by Ciaran Butler
June 2026
I got involved in tandem cycling as part of my recovery after experiencing a CVST, which left me visually impaired in my right eye in 2022. Sport had always been a huge part of my life through GAA – hurling, football and soccer, so losing that outlet was very difficult for me but I was determined to find a way to get active again and feel like myself, and that’s where tandem cycling came in.
It was Noel Feeley from Roscommon Sports Partnership who first encouraged me to give it a go and he encouraged me to join Vision Sports Ireland and they helped me with getting access to a tandem bike on a loan scheme. To be honest, I didn’t know what to expect at the beginning, but once I got on the tandem bike with Noel, I never looked back. It gave me a real opportunity to exercise again, rebuild my fitness, and reconnect with sport in a way that I didn’t think would ever be possible again.
Taking part in Mondello 24 is an incredible experience, this year was my 3rd consecutive Mondello 24 event riding for the Paracyling Ireland team.
What stands out most to me is the atmosphere and the sense of teamwork, but mostly the amazing people in the Paracycling team – everyone working together, supporting each other through the tough moments, and sharing in the highs and lows along the way. There’s something special about being part of an event like it, where you’re all pushing toward a common goal. No matter your fitness level or ability – you can do as much or as little as you want as part of the team.
Crossing the finish line with the team was and is an unreal feeling. It meant a lot on a personal level, especially considering the personal journey each para cyclist has been on, we all have different stories. It reminds us that while things have changed, there is still so much we can do, and challenges like this are still within our reach.
I found the event very accessible, and inclusion of tandem and hand cycling itself makes participation possible in a really inclusive way. The organisation of the event and the overall environment made it easy to feel supported and fully involved throughout.
I would absolutely recommend Mondello 24 to other members of Vision Sports Ireland. It’s not just about the cycling, it’s about being part of something, challenging yourself, and realising what you’re capable of but more importantly it’s a super social outlet and we’ve a great community of paracyclists and allies who support us.
Overall, Mondello 24 was more than just an event for me – it’s a reminder of how far I’ve come and how important sport still is in my life. I’m really grateful to the people who encouraged me along the way, and I hope that by sharing my experience, it might inspire others to give it a go, you might surprise yourself with what you can achieve.