Cycle raises over €400,000 for great charity

Champion cyclist Sean Kelly, Peggy O’Connell, Aaron Buckley and John O’Connor from DSI Kerry branch, and founder Paul Sheridan, pictured at the official cheque presentation for the annual Tour de Munster charity cycle.
Pictures: Diane Cusack

The 2024 Tour de Munster charity cycle has successfully raised over €400,000 in support of Down Syndrome Ireland.

The grand total was revealed at a cheque presentation ceremony with cycling legend and long term supporter of the Tour, Sean Kelly, presenting the cheque.

The 24th Tour marks a significant occasion as the renowned charity cycle contributes to the national charity for its 15th consecutive year. Since its inception in 2001, the Tour de Munster has raised a staggering €5 million for the Munster branches of DSI.

Ger O’Connell, President, Down Syndrome Ireland, John McLaughlin, champion cyclist Sean Kelly, Lauren McCarthy, Nichola Aylward, CEO, DSI ambassador Jennifer Barry, Ross ONeill from DSI, Edel Bane, and tour founder Paul Sheridan

This year’s event in August saw cyclists embark on a challenging 600km journey through the six counties of Munster to raise vital funds for the chosen cause.

In total, the tour raised over €413,728 with some cyclists raising funds for other charities near and dear to their hearts, including West Cork Down Syndrome Support Group and Cork ARC Cancer Support House.

Each cyclist, supported by their family, friends and dedicated volunteers, covered their own expenses to ensure that every euro raised directly benefited DSI and the various individual beneficiaries.

Champion cyclist Sean Kelly, Yolanda Baig, Ruth Hayes and Sarah Casey from DSI and founder Paul Sheridan

Paul Sheridan, the founder of Tour de Munster, said: “None of this would have been possible without the huge dedication and efforts made by cyclists, volunteers and supporters. We are very grateful to the many companies and the public who have supported the Tour in the past 24 years.”

John O’Connor from Down Syndrome Kerry, said his organisation is incredibly proud of this year’s Tour de Munster participants who have helped raise money for the Munster branches. “It’s a fantastic event that brings the community together. The support from the cyclists and the public is invaluable, enabling us to provide crucial services and continued support for our members in the Kerry branch of Down Syndrome Ireland,” he remarked.

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