Pictures: Gerard McCarthy
The 2022 Tour de Munster charity cycle has raised a whopping €389,214.99 for the Kerry and Munster branches of Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI).
The grand total was revealed at a cheque presentation which saw cyclists, supporters and DSI Munster branches come together to celebrate the achievements of this year’s big event. In total this year, the tour raised a staggering €445,000, with some cyclists also raising funds for other charities near and dear to their hearts.
Celebrating 22 years since its inception, the popular Tour de Munster charity cycle has now raised over €4.6 million and this was the 13th successive year that DSI has been the main beneficiary of the charity cycle, with the marathon cycle raising €4 million alone for Down Syndrome Ireland’s Munster branches.
The funds raised will continue to make a tremendous difference to the lives of people with Down syndrome, as well as their friends and families, by providing vital services and facilities in each county which they so heavily rely on.
Led by cycling legend Sean Kelly and Olympic rower Gary O’Donovan, more than 100 amateur cyclists took part in the event, travelling more than 600km over the course of four days.
Speaking at the cheque presentation event, Paul Sheridan, founder of Tour de Munster, said he was incredibly appreciative and proud of all the participants in this year’s Tour de Munster.
“We are thrilled to have raised €389,000 as it will go a long way toward assisting the life-changing work carried out each day. Without the tremendous devotion and work put forward by cyclists, volunteers, and supporters, none of this would have been possible”.
Enda O’Brien, chairperson of Down Syndrome Kerry expressed gratitude to the cyclists, back-up crew, Paul Sheridan and everyone who in any way supported this year’s Tour de Munster and for their huge personal and financial efforts in support the Kerry branch members and those of Clare, Tipperary, Limerick, Waterford and Cork.
“The funds generated for Kerry this year will be directed to our speech and language service which is vital for our members,” Mr O’Brien said, adding that the branch does not receive any HSE or other government funding to allay the cost of this service which runs to over €120,000 per annum.
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