In the space of four short years, Co Armagh girl Dearbhail Savage has gone from horse-riding for fun to representing Ireland at the upcoming Special Olympic World Summer Games in Los Angeles in July 2015.
Dearbhail, who hails from Clady, puts in the hard graft with training once a week at her local club, Oakwood Riding School in Mayobridge, as well as regular training in Dublin.
Her path to success has included a gold medal at the regionals in Coleraine and then onto Limerick for the All Ireland Games where she again clinched Gold.
This then qualified her to attend the World Games, where she will compete with fellow competitors from 177 countries.
Killeavy Cycling Club, who each year run a charity sportive, supporting local charities and worthwhile causes, have this year decided to support Dearbhail in her endeavours. 
A club spokesperson said: “With her equipment self-funded, Dearbhail’s involvement in representing Ireland at such a level does come at a cost.
“Killeavy Cycling Club are delighted to be able to support a local athlete who represents her area and country so well.
“The sportive, which offers two routes of 60k and 100k, will be on Sunday, June 14, at 10am with registration from 8.30am from Killeavy GAC.
“Donations on the day are £15/€20 with a food top on the 100k tour and all cyclists treated to a well-deserved BBQ at the end of the cycle.”
The choice of route caters for both leisure cyclists and the more experienced cyclist looking for a challenge.
The route – which takes in stunning views of Carlingford as well as South Armagh – offers no particularly difficult climbs but, depending on ability, a cyclist can opt for longer and more testing 100k loop.
For more information click on facebook.com/killeavycc
Picture: Dearbhail Savage and members of the Killeavy Cycling Club, who are holding a fundraiser next month to help the young Clady girl as she goes for gold at this summer’s Special Olympics.
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