Niall and his family prepare to set off from Swords, County Dublin. (source: Triona Cussen)
On 14 July 2025, Niall Kenny, accompanied by his 70-year-old father Kevin and brother Gavin, set off on a 2,100-kilometre cycling expedition from their adopted hometown of Swords, Ireland, to Slovakia. Over the course of 21 days, the trio plans to traverse eight countries, raising both awareness and funds for children with Down syndrome.
This self-funded challenge seeks to raise €50,000 for the Down Syndrome Centre in Swords and Centrum Natália in Hlohovec, Slovakia, inspired by Niall’s three-year-old daughter, Saoirse, who has Down syndrome and attends the Swords centre.
“She’s a bundle of energy. She keeps us all on our toes, that’s for sure… she’s just the beating heart of our family,” Kenny says of his daughter.
The team recently passed through Belgium, and those interested are invited to follow their journey on Facebook. They are expected to arrive at Bratislava’s Hviezdoslavovo námestie (square) on 30 July at 17:00.
Kenny’s wife, Zuzana, is an archaeologist from Slovakia, which is why the country was chosen as the destination for this deeply personal mission. The launch event in Dublin last week – featuring Slovak folk dancers, Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien, and Conor, a young cyclist with Down syndrome – symbolised cross-cultural unity.
Supported by friends in Slovakia, including Hana Pavlíková, a canine therapist, and Katarína Spevárová of Centrum Natália, Niall’s cycle aims to fund therapies and raise awareness for children with disabilities. The journey bridges Ireland and Slovakia through shared purpose, highlighting the vital work being done in both countries.
How friendship and family sparked a cross-continent ride
Niall Kenny’s story has humble beginnings. A 2005 archaeology graduate from University College Dublin, he met his wife, Zuzana, during an excavation in the city. The global financial crisis of 2007–2008 prompted the couple to move to Nitra, Slovakia, where they taught English between 2010 and 2012. It was there that Kenny formed a lasting friendship with Hana Pavlíková, then the branch manager at his language school.
“We became close friends,” Pavlíková recalls, noting that their families still visit one another regularly. In 2023, she introduced Kenny to Katarína Spevárová, who manages Centrum Natália, a rehabilitation centre in Hlohovec.
“I was surprised, shocked – in a good way – and extremely pleased,” Spevárová says of Kenny’s cycling initiative, adding that such offers of help are exceptionally rare for non-profit organisations.
Kenny’s daughter, Saoirse, who was born with Down syndrome, attends the Down Syndrome Centre in Swords each week and was the inspiration behind this challenge. Two years ago, Kenny, along with Saoirse and his son Christopher, visited Centrum Natália, where they met with families and staff.
This cycling journey, a heartfelt tribute to Saoirse, is also in keeping with Kenny’s reputation for bold and imaginative undertakings. As Pavlíková says with a smile, “I wasn’t so surprised – Niall has special ideas very often!”
Undervalued and underfunded
The Down Syndrome Centre in Swords supports 400 families each year, offering speech therapy, early education, and assistance for parents and siblings – including expectant mothers navigating a Down syndrome diagnosis. The centre receives no government funding and relies entirely on donations and fundraising events like this cycle.
Speaking about the centre, Kenny said: “They’ve changed our lives. This cycle is about giving back and making sure more children like Saoirse can get the therapy and support they deserve.”
Triona Cussen of the centre added, “This kind of fundraiser is huge for us.” Ireland’s Child Disability Network Teams are severely understaffed; in the local area, just 20 staff – some part-time or in vacant posts – are responsible for 900 families. The result is delays of six to eight months. “That maths is never going to work out,” Kenny remarks.
In Slovakia, Centrum Natália – part of the Nadácia Pomoc druhému foundation – supports children with neurodevelopmental conditions such as cerebral palsy, autism, ADHD, and some with Down syndrome.
Founded in 2005 by Július Horváth to assist families raising children with disabilities, the foundation opened Centrum Natália in 2016 as a non-profit rehabilitation centre. Katarína Spevárová explains that families often rely on charitable organisations and donation portals to cover the cost of rehabilitation and medical care, due to minimal government support.
Pavlíková, who runs “Kimba – zázračná labka” (“miracle paw”), says she receives no government funding for her canine therapy work. Her sessions promote emotional well-being, muscle relaxation, and speech development. “Clients do not feel nervous in the presence of a dog,” she says, describing how petting can help unclench tightly closed fists.
While both countries face systemic challenges, Slovakia’s support infrastructure is even more limited — making this fundraiser all the more vital.
Niall pictured with Slovak folk dancers at last week's launch event in Swords. (source: Triona Cussen)
The ride of their life
The 2,100km cycle from Swords to Slovakia will see Niall Kenny, his father Kevin, and brother Gavin pass through eight countries in 21 days. While Kevin and Gavin are seasoned members of their local cycling club, Kenny – less experienced – joined the Ashbourne Wheelers to prepare for the challenge.
He is no stranger to determination: Kenny previously cycled from Bristol to Germany, enduring seven punctures along the way, and is once again using the same bike. A recent chest infection has not shaken his resolve.
The event will culminate in a welcome ceremony at Hviezdoslavovo námestie in Bratislava at 17:00 on 30 July. While plans are still being finalised, a celebratory reception is scheduled, and anyone with a bicycle is encouraged to ride in and be part of the occasion.
The following day, the team will press on eastward, with their ultimate destination being the border town of Veľké Slemence.
