“We call them little warriors — because from the moment they’re born, they’re fighting.”
On Disability Matters, John Comiskey spoke with Sean Brennan, founder of Bikers Ride Out for Prems, about motorcycles, premature babies and the powerful community that has grown around a simple mission: make life easier for families in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) across Ireland.
The charity was born from experience. Sean is a member of Blue Knights Ireland IV (Blue Knights), a law enforcement motorcycle club connected to a global network of police, paramedics, fire officers and other emergency service personnel. While the club had long supported various charities, members wanted transparency and direct impact.
“We wanted to know exactly where the money was going,” Sean explained. “So we set up our own charity.”
Eight years later, Bikers Ride Out for Prems supports 14–16 NICU units across Ireland — including Enniskillen and Derry — providing life-saving and comfort-enhancing equipment directly to neonatal units.
Supporting Ireland’s Smallest Patients
Premature babies often arrive weeks — sometimes months — before their expected due date. Many are immediately placed in incubators, surrounded by tubes and monitors. Parents may not even get to hold their child.
For Sean and his fellow bikers, that image became the motivation.
“These are children fighting for their lives in a glass box,” he said. “If we can make that situation even a little bit easier — for the baby, the parents or the nurses — that’s what we’ll do.”
The charity funds specialist equipment requested directly by NICU teams. From portable incubator blankets that regulate temperature while allowing mothers to hold their babies, to essential medical devices and supports, every donation is guided by a hospital “wish list.”
In some cases, premature birth can also lead to long-term disabilities — including learning or developmental challenges. That connection makes the charity’s work particularly relevant to the disability community.
“Some disabilities you can’t see,” Sean noted. “But if we can help these babies get out of that box and go on to live full lives — maybe become the next teacher or leader — that matters.”
A 1,600km Ride for Impact
Every two years, the charity organises a nationwide ride-out, covering up to 1,600 kilometres in four days. This September, riders will travel from Drogheda to Cavan, Letterkenny, Derry, Galway, Limerick, Cork, Waterford and beyond — delivering equipment in person to each unit.
Each rider commits to raising €1,500 to take part. With around 30 bikers participating, that alone generates over €40,000. Additional fundraising initiatives — including a limited-edition whiskey collaboration — help push totals even higher.
Over the past eight years, the charity has provided hundreds of thousands of euro worth of equipment to NICUs. By next September, they hope to reach a milestone: €1 million worth of equipment delivered.
And every cent counts.
“We don’t have staff wages. We don’t have big overheads. We have a laptop, a printer and volunteers,” Sean said. “Your money goes directly to equipment.”
Challenging Stereotypes
The image of bikers as loud or aggressive is one Sean addresses openly.
“In every walk of life there are different personalities,” he said. “But bikers have families. We’re fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters. And at Christmas, you’ll see bike clubs all over Ireland raising money for charity.”
What makes Bikers Ride Out for Prems different is structure and accountability. The charity is fully registered and regularly audited. Financial records are submitted to the Charities Regulator, and transparency is central to their ethos.
“Be wise,” Sean urged listeners. “When you donate to any charity, research it. Ask questions. Make sure you know where your money is going.”
Emotion on the Road
Perhaps the most powerful moment Sean shared was from his first solo awareness ride around Ireland. With no guaranteed funding for fuel or accommodation, he relied on goodwill — and found it in abundance.
At one hospital, mothers of premature babies gathered to thank him. Later that evening, sitting alone with a drink paid for by strangers, the emotion overwhelmed him.
“I could see every unit, every nurse, every family reflected in that glass,” he said. “The tears just came. You realise what these families are going through.”
That emotional connection continues to drive the charity forward.
How to Support
Bikers Ride Out for Prems welcomes donations of any size.
“Two euro makes a difference,” Sean said. “If enough people give a small amount, it becomes something powerful.”
🌐 Website: www.bikersrideoutforprems.ie
📧 Email: bikersrideoutforprems@gmail.com
📱 Facebook: Bikers Ride Out for Prems
From roaring engines to neonatal units, this is a story of community, compassion and Ireland’s smallest warriors — supported by some of its biggest hearts.
This interview aired on Disability Matters on 92.5 Phoenix FM, a programme produced by Blanchardstown Centre for Independent Living (BCIL).
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