Tour de Munster starts in Cork
The Tour de France is underway, sadly without Irish sprinter Sam Bennett, but a more important cycling event is set to kick off soon.
The 21st annual Tour de Munster charity cycle is set to take to the roads of Munster from 5 to 8 August. The four-day tour was launched recently by cycling legend Sean Kelly. The tour will raise vital funds and awareness for the Munster branches of Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI).
The Tipperary branch of Down Syndrome Ireland played host to the outdoor launch at their newly renovated premises in Thurles. Funds raised as a result of Tour de Munster helped to purchase the premises, providing vital support for children and adults with Down Syndrome.
Details of this year’s tour were unveiled at the launch, as over 150 amateur cyclists prepare for the 600km cycle around the six counties of Munster. Along with the Tipperary branch, funds raised will continue to make a tremendous difference to the lives of people with Down Syndrome in Munster, as well as their friends and families by providing vital services and facilities in each county.
Long-standing supporter of the Tour Sean Kelly was delighted to gear up for his 16th Tour de Munster. Speaking at the launch, Sean said: “I am honoured to once again take to the road this August with Tour de Munster and the Munster branches of Down Syndrome Ireland. It’s an event that is very close to my heart and something I look forward to every year. Throughout the years, I have met so many wonderful children, adults and families who rely on and benefit from the services provided by each branch and from beginning to end, they are the drivers pushing us over the finish line on Patrick's Hill.”
Tour de Munster organiser Paul Sheridan established the popular cycle in 2001, which has had a life changing impact on the lives of countless people through its fundraising efforts.
Tour de Munster has raised over €3.4 million in total. For DSI Munster branches alone, the tour has raised a staggering €3 million since they became the main beneficiary of the event in 2010.
Paul Sheridan said: “We are driven more than ever to raise vital funds and awareness for the Munster branches of Down Syndrome Ireland, especially after such a difficult year with many fundraising activities unable to go ahead. I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has got behind the tour to date, including the many businesses, organisations and of course, cyclists who help us to make a real difference for those with Down Syndrome and their families across Munster.”
Debbie Kelleher, Care Coordinator with Down Syndrome Cork said: “The tour is fast approaching and we are busy counting down the weeks until it all kicks off in Cork. Funds raised as a result of Tour de Munster play a huge role in enabling our branch to continue providing the necessary supports and services to our members.”
The 2021 Tour de Munster will kick off from Cork city on Thursday 5 August and continues over four days around the six counties of Munster before returning to Cork city on 8 August.
For more on the Tour de Munster visit tourdemunster.com, find it on Facebook @tourdemunster. For more on Down Syndrome Ireland see downsyndrome.ie.