Cyclists that make a difference! Official Launch of the 10th Annual Tour de Munster for Down Syndrome Ireland

17 June 2010

The official launch of the "Tour de Munster", an annual four day charity cycle took place at Vertigo in the County Hall on Tuesday night, 15th June. The launch was attended by over 100 people including cycling legend Sean Kelly who has supported the charity cycle for the past four years. The cycle will take place from the 12th to 15th of August and will see over 100 amateur cyclists cycling over 600km around the six counties of Munster in aid of Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI Munster branches) the chosen beneficiary of this year's cycle. It is hoped that this year's cycle will raise €100,000 for the charity. The launch was attended by many of the cyclists taking part this year as well as members of DSI Munster branches. MC for the evening was DSI's Michael O' Gorman who welcomed special guest Cllr Derry Canty, Mayor of the County of Cork.  Cycling legend Sean Kelly who will be joining the cyclists said;"Although this year will be my fifth year being involved with the Tour de Munster it is actually the tenth year of the cycle. I am looking forward to once again joining the other cyclists during the demanding four days of cycling for there is a great sense of camaraderie among the group. This is not a competitive cycle but there are stretches that can be tough, no matter what the standard, and believe me this group of cyclists will earn every cent of the money they collect on behalf of Down Syndrome Ireland, Munster branches." The idea of the Tour de Munster was developed by Paul Sheridan who has helped make a difference in the lives of countless people throughout the last ten years raising €540,000 for different charities. He said "It's a privilege to be working with DSI both at root and branch level and with the national organisation. We have a strong sense that we're helping to raise vital funds and bring attention to the needs of a very large and almost invisible but very vulnerable section of our society. We talk of people with special needs but with DSI we have encountered people with very special abilities; Parents and carers who work very hard to give dignity, support and love in the face of considerable challenges. But more especially the people with DS themselves are very special; They have an innate ability to inspire us. The gratitude and appreciation which they allow us to experience is truly a gift and I really hope that anyone who helps us raise funds for DSI will themselves feel a great sense of reward." Alan Crosbie Executive Chairman of Thomas Crosbie Holdings also spoke at the event.  He was followed by Clare Leonard President of DSI who said "Our purpose at Down Syndrome Ireland is to help to improve the lives of those with Down Syndrome so that they can not only reach their full potential but surpass it. Our aim is to make their future as bright and independent as possible. We provide education, support and most importantly friendship every step of the way. Our services are mostly funded through fundraising projects and we were delighted to be chosen by Tour de Munster for this special 10th year of the charity cycle. All funds will be going to the Munster branches to provide services such as speech therapy, services which make such a difference in the lives of people with Down Syndrome. Our slogan, Share the Journey, is particularly apt for this charity cycle and I would like to thank Tour de Munster for sharing their journey with Down Syndrome Ireland" Riobaird Lankford a 26 year old young man with Down Syndrome who won a medal at last week's special Olympics also spoke of his work as a youth leader with Down Syndrome Ireland. John Lawlor, Managing Director of Synergy Security Solution, the main sponsors of the event also spoke. Ken O' Reilly, National Operations Manager of Synergy Security Solutions also attended the event. Guests then enjoyed refreshments supplied by Brook Catering. The Irish Examiner, Red FM and Spin South West who are the Official Media Partners of Tour de Munster 2010, will cover up to date information running up to and during the event.  Information is also available on http://www.fuzion.ie/cms/dcCom/components/udi/www.tourdemunster.com or or you can follow the Tour on twitter @tourdemunster.  For further information on Down Syndrome Ireland please see http://www.fuzion.ie/cms/dcCom/components/udi/www.downsyndromeireland.ie