€417k raised for DS Ireland
The 2023 Tour de Munster charity cycle has raised €417,077 in aid of the Munster branches of Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI). The grand total was revealed at a recent cheque presentation, which saw cyclists, supporters and DSI Munster branches come together to celebrate the achievements of this year’s tour.
Celebrating 23 years since its inception, the highly regarded and indispensable Tour de Munster charity cycle has now raised over €5 million. This is the 14th successive year that DSI has been the main beneficiary of the charity cycle, with the Tour raising €4.4 million alone for Down Syndrome Ireland’s Munster branches.
In total, the tour raised over €442,000 with some cyclists raising funds for other charities near and dear to their hearts, including West Cork Down Syndrome Support Group, West Cork Jesters and Enable Ireland.
The 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 which they so heavily rely on.
The 2023 charity cycle witnessed over 120 amateur cyclists embarking on a challenging 600km journey through the six counties of Munster from August 10 to 13. These cyclists, with the support of their friends, family, and dedicated volunteers along the route, covered their own expenses to ensure that all the funds raised directly benefited DSI and the individual beneficiaries.
Sean Kelly, a longtime supporter of Tour de Munster, once again joined the cycling group for the Tour, covering an average of 150km per day through the picturesque towns and villages of Cork, Waterford, Tipperary, Limerick, Clare, and Kerry.
Paul Sheridan, the founder of Tour de Munster, expressed his profound gratitude for the overwhelming support the tour received. Paul remarked: “I am immensely proud of our cyclists this year for their unwavering dedication and extraordinary fundraising efforts. Thank you to the donors, whose generous donations will make a profound impact to DSI's Munster branches. We are immensely thankful to the numerous companies and individuals who have steadfastly supported the tour over the past 23 years. I would also like to thank Munster Rugby who provided invaluable support and platforming for our cause through our official charity partnership.”
Thanking all those who supported the Tour de Munster this year, Linda Gillick of Down Syndrome Tipperary, said: “A huge round of applause is in order for all those involved in this year’s Tour de Munster. The funds raised this year will help go a long way to provide much needed supports and services to DSI branch members both here in Tipperary and across the greater Munster region. I am extremely thankful for the heroic efforts of the cyclists and to those who supported and donated to this worthy cause.”
Clare FM, Tipp FM, WLR FM, Red FM, SPIN Southwest and Pure Radio were the Official Media Partners of Tour de Munster 2023.
Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI) Munster Branches and Tour de Munster are an official charity partner of Munster Rugby.
For further information about Tour de Munster visit www.tourdemunster.com or find it on Facebook. For further information on Down Syndrome Ireland, please see www.downsyndrome.ie.