*Orla crosses the finish line cheered on by her family, Mayor of Clare Clare Colleran Molloy, Councillor Mary Howard, her Garda escort and neighbours. Photograph by John Mangan

THERE was never any doubt that Orla Platten from Quin would reach her goal of cycling 21km in 21 days, but it has to be said that she did it with style.

Cheered on by neighbours and friends, Orla even had her own Garda escort as she crossed the finish line yesterday, on her 21st birthday.

Her original plan was to raise €1,000 for the Irish Wheelchair Association, but she smashed that target a whopping 11 times. Her tally as of 11am today was €11,172.

Orla with her dad Anthony O’Grady and mom Jean Hanrahan

Orla was born with Down Syndrome. She uses a wheelchair to get around as she has spinal scoliosis. She also has congenital heart problems.

Cycling is a real challenge for Orla because she has no hip joint on her right side, so she has to be lifted on and off the trike. Her mother Jean said she was immensely proud of what Orla has achieved.

“She’s got great support. She’s loved it too and it’s been a great focus for her. I am bursting with pride. I am immensely proud of her and immensely proud that she came up with the idea herself. She is very kind,” she said.

Here she is crossing the finish line:

Orla Platten crosses the finish line. Video by John Mangan


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If you’re here, you care about County Clare. So do we. Did you rely on us for Covid-19 updates, follow our election coverage, or visit The Clare Echo every week for breaking news and sport? The Clare Echo invests in local journalism and we want to safeguard its future in our county. By becoming a subscriber you are supporting what we do, will receive access to all our premium articles and a better experience, while helping us improve our offering to you. Subscribe to clareecho.ie and get the first six months for just €3 a month (less than 75c per week), and thereafter €8 per month. Cancel anytime, limited time offer. T&Cs Apply. www.clareecho.ie.

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