Magherafelt publican cycling to Cardiff in aid of rugby players left wheelchair bound

The Bryson’s Bar manager said there are 33 people across Ireland who have been affected in such a way.

And because of his passion for both Rugby and cycling, said he wanted to do something to help.

The cycle will take the group from Dublin Port by ferry to Holyhead, they will then bike through Snowdonia National Park and the Breacon Beacons, passing Llyn Trawsfynydd Lake before continuing on to Dolgellau.

Day two will take them past Talybont Reservoir and Merthyr Tydfil before they finish at the Millennium Stadium, in Cardiff.

Excited by the challenge, Niall told the Mail: “We leave Thursday week, we cycle through Wales and then we meet with the Irish Rugby team on the Sunday and we go to the match.”

Although people from all over Ireland are involved in the charity ride, Niall said he is the only local man to get on board.

“This opportunity came up and I thought it was the chance of a lifetime.

“I used to play for Belfast Harlequins and was involved with Rugby for a long time,” he said, “but I retired a number of year ago.”

This is not the first charity bike ride the sportsman has taken on for charity, having cycled across all five continents of the world for NCBI.

The 30 cyclists will be joined by some ex Irish Rugby stars, before going on to Watch Ireland V France in their world cup group decider at the Millenium Stadium.

Niall said Brysons Bar has close connections with the sport and has some “cracking deals” over Rugby World Cup.