Trip to Tipp fundraiser

Event takes place on Saturday, June 28

For nearly three decades, local Thurles man Billy Shanahan has been the driving force behind one of Ireland’s most cherished community events: Trip to Tipp. What began as a small cycling challenge has grown into a beloved annual event that brings together cyclists, runners, walkers, families, and supporters, all in aid of Vision Ireland, the national sight loss charity.

Now in its 29th year, Trip to Tipp has raised a phenomenal amount to support people across Ireland living with sight loss. What makes Billy’s story even more inspiring is that he is blind himself. Year after year, he has not only organised this major event, but actively taken part, showing what’s possible when you have community, purpose, and support behind you.

Billy is more than an organiser. He’s a passionate advocate, a role model, and a symbol of resilience. His message to others living with sight loss is simple but powerful: you can still lead, build something meaningful, and still do what you love.

Trip to Tipp has always been a family affair. Billy’s daughter Lorraine Shanahan was at the heart of the event from the beginning, playing a key role in its organisation and growth. Tragically, Lorraine passed away in 2015. Her loss was deeply felt, but her warmth, energy, and love for her community continue to guide the event today.

“Her passing left a space that can never be filled,” says her sister Katriona. “But her spirit and passion live on in every part of Trip to Tipp. We take part not just for the challenge, but to honour her legacy and support a charity she believed in so deeply.”

In recent years, the spirit of Trip to Tipp has been strengthened by Jim Sweeney, a close friend of Billy’s who has brought new life and leadership to the event. A well-respected figure in the local community, Jim has taken the lead on coordinating the run and walk, helping to make the day more inclusive and accessible for everyone.

Jim’s contribution goes far beyond logistics. His kindness, energy, and genuine desire to bring people together have made a heartwarming difference. With his sporting knowledge and community spirit, he’s helped Trip to Tipp evolve into more than a fundraiser, it’s now a celebration of connection and support, and his impact has been deeply appreciated.

So why do Billy and Jim do it? To support Vision Ireland, the national charity for people who are blind or vision impaired, helping to empower people across the country living with sight loss to live full, confident, and independent lives with every euro raised.

Thanks to the dedication of Billy, Jim, Katriona, and the wider Trip to Tipp community, thousands have received vital support through Vision Ireland’s services, including:

· Counselling, Wellbeing & Emotional Support – helping individuals and families cope with the emotional impact of vision loss through counselling, group support, and social connection.

· Eye Clinic Liaison Officers (ECLOs) – based in hospital eye departments, providing vital information and emotional support at the point of diagnosis.

· Assistive Technology & IT Labs – offering expert advice, training, and access to low vision aids and tech that enable independence and connectivity.

· Community Resource Workers (CRWs) – visiting people in their homes and communities to provide personalised support, mobility training, and daily living skills.

· Vision Ireland’s National Training Centre – delivering QQI-accredited qualifications such as Level 4 Employment Skills, empowering people with the education and confidence to pursue work and independence.

Thanks to Billy and Jim’s efforts, and the ongoing support of the Thurles and Trip to Tipp community, thousands of people across Ireland have received empowering support to live confidently and independently with sight loss.

As Trip to Tipp 2025 approaches on Saturday, 28th June, Vision Ireland invites everyone to come down and support!

“Billy has built something remarkable,” says a Vision Ireland spokesperson. “He has created a legacy that year after year continues to provide meaningful support to those living with sight loss across Ireland. He inspires others to not let sight loss limit them, but to find their own way to do what they love.”