110 cyclists have already taken to the roads across the region as this year’s Tour de Munster travels across the province in their quest to raise vital funds for Down Syndrome Ireland’s Munster branches.
Several local towns and villages will be cheering on participants this Thursday as they wheel through, with stage 1 taking a route from The English Market on Grand Parade in Cork City, onwards to Killaloe, County Clare, cyclists having hit the road shortly after 8am. They will arrive into Midleton at 10.15am for a short break at My Place on the Mill Road, venturing on to County Waterford and hoping to pass through Tallow at 11.30am. Continuing on their route, Lismore will cater for their next stop, approximately 12 noon at MACE, departing 20 minutes later en route to Clogheen. Here at approx. 1.15, the community hall will host the entourage for 45 minutes to refuel for the afternoon leg of the journey, aiming to depart at 2pm for Cahir, estimated arrival 2.30pm. It’s then on through Tipperary and Limerick, finally reaching the Lakeside Hotel in Killaloe at 7.15pm, all going according to plan.
Set to travel 600km in total across the six counties of Munster and returning to the Clayton Silver Springs Hotel in Cork on Sunday, these hardy cyclists are participating in the 23rd year of the event. Stage 2 on Friday moves from Killaloe to Tralee, stage three on Saturday onwards to Kenmare, while the final stage on Sunday brings all and sundry back to Cork city, estimated arrival time approx 5pm. Cyclists finish up by taking on the demanding but iconic heights of St. Patrick’s Hill on Sunday.
OVER €4M RAISED TO DATE
The annual Tour de Munster charity cycle has raised over €4 million for its charity partners with the Munster branches of Down Syndrome Ireland being the primary beneficiary. The vital funds raised have a significant impact on the lives and development of children and adults with Down syndrome across the Munster region.
Irish cycling legend and avid supporter Sean Kelly will once again take part this year, joined by over 110 amateur cyclists on the four-day expedition.
DONATE
Speaking ahead of this year’s tour, Paul Sheridan founder of Tour de Munster said: “The Tour is a true endurance test for participants, whose devotion to their training schedules has been incredible. Behind the scenes, a great deal of hard work and attention to detail goes into preparing for a cycle like this. Without the months of preparation and funding put in by these cyclists, none of this would be achievable.
“We have all the incentive we need to keep pedalling as we travel through the six counties of Munster and are inspired by the amazing Down Syndrome Ireland branches. We hope the public will show their support and give whatever they can to help the outstanding kids and adults who are members of these branches as each cent contributed helps make a difference.”
To donate to this year’s Tour de Munster, https://www.idonate.ie/event/tdm23
