Sheila's safe road for Safe Ireland

Mountnugent resident to cycle from Malin Head to Mizen Head for victims of domestic violence

Mountnugent resident Sheila O’Brien is cycling from Malin Head to Mizen Head to raise funds for Safe Ireland.

The 57-year-old mum of four and grandmother of six will do the 600km cycle at her own pace and, while she knows it will be difficult, she wants it to highlight the tough times women can go through.

Sheila, who is originally from Boston, wants women experiencing domestic violence to know that there is a path out.

The cycle is a “bucket list” activity for Sheila to raise awareness about issues around domestic violence for women who may feel “trapped” and “helpless”.

She highlights the services and supports available through Safe Ireland, including one to one counselling and courtroom support if required.

Sheila feels navigating the court system is not easy for victims of domestic violence but acknowledges “it seems to be turning around.”

Describing herself as an “average” cycler, Sheila will do the cycle “slowly” to reflect the “long time” it can take survivors to reach out for help and to leave a bad situation.

“I don’t want it to be easy,” she says.

To women going through a bad time, she advises: “You have to trust in yourself that you are more important than this.”

Sheila also encourages victims to “find that one good friend [to help] and make that phone call to Safe Ireland”.

Sheila has raised nearly €4,000 since the beginning of her campaign with many locals contributing.

Carraig Garden’s and Tearooms will host a fundraiser by doing three tours of the gardens, with funds going towards the cycle. Sheila was born to Irish parents however grew up in Boston and moved to Cavan in 1997.

While she completes her cycle, her sister Tara who passed away over two years ago after going through motor neurone disease, will also be on her mind.

“She was an amazing woman,” she describes.

Sheila will make several stops during her cycle, which she will begin on June 6 and complete over the course of seven days. She will make her way from Malin head to Strabane, Enniskillen, Longford, Shannonbridge, Dromineer, Kilmallock, Macroom, Bantry and finally Mizen.

DONATE

Those who wish to donate to her cause can do so by searching ‘Sheila O’Brien: 600km of Courage for Safe Ireland’ on idonate.ie All fund raised will go towards Safe Ireland.