€5 million raised through Tour de Munster

Joey Kiely from Carrigaline gets support from a fellow cyclist at the end of the 2024 Tour de Munster Charity Cycle on Patricks Hill last Sunday. (Pic: Diane Cusack)

The 24th Tour de Munster charity cycle came to a thrilling end last Sunday as cyclists tackled Cork City’s iconic St Patrick’s Hill spurred on by the many supporters lining the route.

The Tour covered more than 600 kilometres across the six counties of Munster, taking in Midleton, Tallow, Lismore, The Vee, Clogheen and Cahir, all in effort to raise vital funds for the Munster branches of Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI).

The heroic cyclists began their challenging journey last Thursday from Cork’s historic English Market and then journeyed through Waterford, Tipperary, Limerick, Clare and Kerry. Over 100 amateur cyclists were joined by legend of the sport Sean Kelly who has been a huge supporter of the Tour for almost 20 years.

This year’s Tour de Munster marks a notable milestone as the celebrated charity cycle supports the DSI for the 15th consecutive year. Since its inception in 2000, the Tour has raised an astounding €5 million for the well deserving cause.

All of the money raised from the Tour de Munster will support DSI Munster branches in providing crucial services to their members. These vital services include Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy, Employment Opportunities and other life-enhancing aid for individuals with Down syndrome and their families.

Throughout the Tour de Munster, cyclists got to meet members of Down Syndrome Ireland’s Munster branches and see just how much their support means. These encounters made it clear how the funds raised really make a difference, bringing essential services and support to those who need it most. The connections made along the way highlighted the real impact of their efforts and the difference it makes in the lives of people with Down syndrome and their families.