Tipperary man raises over €8,000 for Vision Ireland as part of ongoing effort

Vision Ireland says it is proud to celebrate and thank Brendan Shields, a wonderfully kind and selfless man whose tireless fundraising efforts have helped change the lives of people living with sight loss across Ireland.

Brendan’s journey with Vision Ireland began nearly two decades ago, when he was just sixteen.

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A friend of Billy Shanahan, Michael Sutton, suggested Brendan take part in Billy Shanahan’s “Trip to Tipp”, an annual cycling fundraiser in aid of Vision Ireland (formerly NCBI).

Encouraged by his parents, who always believed in helping others, Brendan not only took part in the event but also fundraised to support people living with sight loss.

That first year, he raised an incredible £300.

Understanding the impact that contribution could have, Brendan decided to do it again. And again.

Year after year, he spent his summers cycling door-to-door across Thurles, braving rain and wind, to ask his neighbours, friends, and community to join him in helping others.

Today, thanks to Brendan’s determination, tenacity, and kindness, he has raised over €62,000 for Vision Ireland.

His efforts, made up of the generosity of his community, ensure that people living with sight loss across the country have the support and tools to live confident, independent, and empowered lives.

Brendan’s efforts, combined with Billy Shanahan’s incredible “Trip to Tipp”, have made Thurles one of the most generous and compassionate communities supporting Vision Ireland.

The funds raised have had a direct and lasting impact, supporting nearly 300,000 people across Ireland who are blind or vision impaired.

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Funds raised help Vision Ireland support vital services for people who are blind or vision impaired.

This includes emotional support and counselling, assistive technology and digital skills training, and programmes that help young people pursue further education, adults secure meaningful employment, and older people stay connected, independent and able to participate fully in their communities.

To say Brendan’s efforts have helped thousands is no exaggeration.

His kindness and sense of community embody the very spirit of Vision Ireland’s mission.

Vision Ireland would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Brendan, to Billy Shanahan, and to everyone in the Thurles community who has supported “Trip to Tipp” and Brendan’s fundraising over the past 18 years.

Every Euro donated, every kilometre cycled, and every show of support has made a difference.

2026 marks a very special milestone; Billy Shanahan’s 30th “Trip to Tipp”, taking place on Saturday, June 27, 2026.

Vision Ireland invites everyone to mark the date, dust off their bikes, and join in celebrating three decades of generosity, community, and compassion.

Together, we’re helping people living with sight loss to see possibilities, not limitations.

For more information about Vision Ireland, or to access details on the 30th ‘Trip to Tipp’ as they become available, please visit www.vi.ie or follow the ‘Trip to Tipp’ Facebook page for the latest updates.