The 22nd Tour de Munster charity cycle came to a thrilling end on Sunday, August 7th, as cyclists tackled St. Patrick’s Hill in Cork City, driven on by the cheers of supporters who lined the famous hill.
First to conquer the uphill battle were two sporting legends, long term supporter of the Tour and cycling great Sean Kelly along with world-renowned rower Gary O’Donovan, completing his first Tour de Munster.
Over 100 amateur cyclists completed this year’s Tour, which saw them clock up over 600km across four days visiting some of Munster’s most iconic towns and villages in their bid to raise vital funds for the Munster branches of Down Syndrome Ireland.
For the 13th year, Down Syndrome Ireland joined the Tour as its main beneficiary. Over the previous 21 years, Tour de Munster has raised a staggering €3.9 million for its charity partners, with over €3.5 million alone for Down Syndrome Ireland’s Munster branches. These funds allow Down Syndrome Ireland to provide vital supports and services to members of its Munster branches.
Setting out from Cork’s historic English Market last Thursday morning, the Tour made its way to Waterford, Tipperary, Limerick, Clare and Kerry. Throughout the Tour, cyclists had the opportunity to meet many members of Down Syndrome Ireland’s Munster branches who benefit so greatly by the funds raised.
Founder of Tour de Munster, Paul Sheridan, congratulated and thanked all those who participated in this year’s Tour. “It has been an incredible journey over the past four days and I am extremely grateful to all those who have participated in the 22nd edition of the Tour. We were also delighted to be joined by Andy Thiel, Co-Founder of title sponsor U-blox who travelled from Switzerland to complete the Tour. Participants put a huge amount of hard work and dedication into their preparations and this does not go unnoticed. The appreciation shown by the members and families of the Munster branches of Down Syndrome Ireland ahead of and during the Tour was wonderful. When things got tough, we remember our true goal of raising money and this gives us that extra push to keep going and cross that finish line”, he said.
Paul added, “We have received an enormous amount of support and such a warm welcome over the last four days across the many towns, cities and villages that we have visited. For this encouragement and support, I am thankful and indebted to all.”
The Irish Examiner, Clare FM, Tipp FM, WLR FM, Red FM, SPIN South West and Pure Radio were the Official Media Partners of Tour de Munster 2021.
To donate to this year’s Tour de Munster please visit the dedicated iDonate page.
For further information about Tour de Munster visit tourdemunster.com or find it on Facebook.
