29
Apr
2019
Tour de Munster, the 600km annual charity cycle which is set to take place from August 8th to 11th 2019, announced their official charity partnership with the Munster branches of Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI).
Entering into its 19th year this August, Tour de Munster has raised a significant sum of money for some very worthy beneficiaries along the way, raising over €2.78 million in total. For DSI Munster branches alone, the tour has raised a staggering €2.3 million, with the 2018 Tour de Munster raising €256,404.
The partnership announcement took place at the ‘Tom Crean Unsung Hero Charity Cycle’ at Ballyseedy Home & Garden Centre Tralee, held in association with the Kerry Branch of Down Syndrome Ireland. The ‘Tom Crean Unsung Hero Charity Cycle’ was part of a weekend of events organised by DSI Kerry and was attended by cyclists, friends, families and many famous faces.
As part of DSI Kerry’s fun filled weekend of events, the ‘Tom Crean Unsung Hero Cycle’ paid homage to renowned explorer Tom Crean while also remembering much loved DSI Kerry member Emily Keohane who sadly passed away in 2017. The cycle catered for all levels with 45km and 75km route options. Sporting legends including David Wallace and Aidan O’Mahony were also in attendance throughout the weekend. On Sunday, April 21st attendees had the fantastic opportunity to attend an interesting guided Tom Crean historical walk from the South Pole Inn Annascaul, which the explorer opened with his wife in 1927.
The 2019 Tour de Munster charity cycle will celebrate the 10th consecutive year of DSI Munster branches as the main beneficiary of the tour. Each year, an average of 120 cyclists make their way around the six counties of Munster, raising much needed funds and awareness. All cyclists cover their own expenses and if they wish, they have the option to select their own beneficiary and raise funds and awareness for it. Fundraising can include personal sponsorship as well as commercial sponsorship.
Commenting on the partnership, Paul Sheridan, who established Tour de Munster, said “We are delighted to enter into our 10th year with DSI Munster branches as the main beneficiary of Tour de Munster. As you look around you here today, you see exactly why we do what we do. These amazing children and adults are the reason we put so much hard work in. I would like to commend DSI Kerry and Ballyseedy Home and Garden Centre for such a wonderful weekend and I look forward to another successful year as we continue on our quest to raise vital funds and awareness.”
Also commenting on the partnership, Gary Owens, CEO of DSI, said “Tour de Munster is such a fantastic charity initiative and we are very honoured and thankful to be the main beneficiary of the tour once again. What Paul and the team have done for the six DSI Munster branches has been phenomenal. Not only have the funds raised helped hugely, but the tour has created a really close community between the Munster branches of DSI. I hope as many people as possible can support the tour in 2019 and we’re looking forward to another great year.”
The 2019 tour de Munster will kick off from Cork City on Thursday, August 8th and continues over four days around the six counties of Munster before returning to Cork City on August 11th.
