29 November 2014

Tour de Munster has once again reached record heights, raising a staggering €250,000 in total through this year’s cycle. The overwhelming amount was presented by cycling legend, Seán Kelly to Mary Doherty, President of Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI) at an event held in the Silver Springs Moran Hotel in Cork on Saturday, November 29th.

 The funds were raised by 150 amateur cyclists who undertook the four day, 600km cycle around the six counties of Munster during August this year, and by the scores of DSI volunteers who fundraised throughout the route. Each cyclist covered their own expenses so that every penny raised goes directly to the charity.

 Tour de Munster organiser Paul Sheridan was delighted with the overall amount raised. Speaking at the cheque presentation Paul said “From previous years of the tour, the bar has been set extremely high, so it’s difficult to maintain the same standard of fundraising throughout the years, but we have done it once again and we are all thrilled! We are very grateful to the many companies and the public who have supported us during that time,  and a special mention goes to this year’s main sponsor, Nightline.”

 Pat Clarke, CEO of DSI said “I would like to thank Paul Sheridan and his team, for their tenacity, their compassion, and their dedication to this project and to Down Syndrome Ireland.  Our families, our staff, and our community will be forever in your debt. Tour de Munster has been an amazing experience for everyone in Down Syndrome Ireland. We have seen first-hand that many friendships have been formed between the organisation, the families and the cyclists, that last long after the gruelling four day cycle. The experience has bonded people together, and on top of the tremendous fundraising work and awareness building, this is the icing on the cake for everyone and what makes the Tour de Munster project so special.”

 Each DSI branch in Munster will receive an equal share of the money raised, and areas of expenditure include Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy as well as early intervention services which are vital for the development of children with Down syndrome. The money will also be spent on sports and leisure activities which are as important to the children, helping them to achieve their goals and be independent.

 Special thanks was also given to Tour de Munster media partners: Irish Examiner, RedFM, Clare FM, Tipp FM and WLR FM. For more information please visit www.tourdemunster.com or www.downsyndrome.ie