With preparations in full swing for the 21st annual Tour de Munster charity cycle, legend of the sport Sean Kelly was on hand to officially launch the four-day Tour across Munster on Tuesday evening, June 22nd, an event which will pass through local towns and villages on day 1.
Taking to the roads of Munster from August 5th to 8th, the Tour will raise vital funds and awareness for the Munster branches of Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI).
The first day of the event will start in City Hall, Cork, taking cyclists through counties Cork, Waterford, Tipperary and Limerick and on to Killaloe, County Clare.
The route will go via Midleton, passing locally through Tallow, Lismore, The Vee and Clogheen, then on to Cahir, Bansha, Tipperary, Oola, Limerick, Birdhill and finishing at Killaloe.
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 helped to purchase the premises, providing vital support for children and adults with Down syndrome.
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.
OVER €3M RAISED SINCE 2001
Sharing the journey, long-standing supporter of the Tour, Sean Kelly is 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 has raised a significant sum of money for some very worthy beneficiaries since its inception in 2001, raising 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 Tour in 2010.
The four day fundraising event, will traverse around the six counties of Munster before returning to Cork City on August 8th.
For more information visit www.tourdemunster.com.
