The Irishman with a thick Black Country accent - The story behind Dudley's Ben Healy and his decision to represent Ireland at cycling
There have been some questions asked as to why a cyclist from Wordsley is racing with the Irish Tricolour on his sleeves at the Tour de France.
Ben Healy is Black Country and proud, with a distinct Dudley accent and the memories of his time at Halesowen Athletics and Cycling Club still fresh, but represents his paternal grandfather's nation competitively.
When Healy moved into the lead of the 2025 Tour de France after stage 10 he became the first rider from the Black Country to don the iconic yellow jersey, while also becoming just the fourth 'Irishman' and the first since 1987 to lead the race in it's 112 year history.
Peter Hall, chairman of cycling at Healy's former club, says everyone involved at Halesowen is extremely proud of the 24-year-old's achievements, and revealed the real reason why he made the choice to honour his Irish roots.
"British cycling decided not to take him on - I don't know why but for some reason they didn't take him into their development system - so he decided to get Irish accreditation through his grandparents," Hall said. "It means he can ride in the Olympics and the World Championships in Irish colours, which is a bit annoying for us who know he's grown up around here when we hear the commentators say: here's the Irishman Ben Healy.' Then they interview him and he's got a broad Black Country accent, it's funny, but lovely really.
