A Journey, Not a Race.... Fundraising for a Worthy Cause

14 August 2008

A Journey, Not a Race.... Fundraising for a Worthy Cause

Cycling Legend Sean Kelly joins 80 amateur cyclists aged between 16 and 60 for Tour de Munster 2008 in aid of Enable Ireland

Today at the City Hall in Cork eighty amateur cyclists aged between 16 and 60 set off on a four day adventure to cycle 600 km around Munster for Enable Ireland a charity dedicated to taking action on disability. Sean Kelly, an avid supporter of the Tour De Munster joined the cyclists for breakfast at the Silver Springs Hotel prior to their departure. He then set off for the City Hall with the group where supporters included the Deputy Mayor John Buttimer and Chairman of Enable Ireland, Donal Cashman. The heavy rain forecast for the next few days has not deterred the group who maintain that even though cycling conditions are not ideal they are committed to this test of endurance for this noble cause and hopefully it will make people dig a little deeper when they see the bucket collectors. On a brighter note, there will be some sunshine on Sunday afternoon as the group make their way back to Cork following their mammoth journey.

This is the eight year for the Tour de Munster and it is hoped that €100,000 will be raised for Enable Ireland. If successful it will bring the money raised so far by the Tour De Munster to €435,000.  Each participant in the tour has collected individual sponsorship and bucket collectors will also be out in force to raise funds in all of the main towns. Donations can also be made online to the Tour de Munster on www.enableireland.ie

This adventure will be the culmination of months of preparation by the cyclists who will cycle together, not race, in this great test of endurance. It is a journey that will see them cycle from Cork city into County Waterford for a big climb at the Vee and through Tipperary and Limerick to Killaloe, County Clare. On day two they will go through Limerick and North Kerry, via Tralee to Castlegregory. Day three will see them face more big climbs over the Conor Pass and Molls Gap as they make their way via Dingle, Killarney and Kenmare to Lauragh on the Beara Peninsula. Day four will start with a tough climb over the Healy Pass and finish in Cork city.

A love of cycling is the thread that connects this eclectic group of people and a desire to make a difference to the community at large. Paul Sheridan, Tour Organiser, is passionate about the Tour De Munster and as the driving force behind the event maintains that there is a great comradery between the cyclists who keep each other going through the difficult stretches of the journey. So this weekend keep your eyes peeled for this group of cyclists who in their bright orange jerseys cannot be missed and give generously to support Enable Ireland to help other people on their journey through life. 

The Irish Examiner, Red FM and Radio Kerry who are the Official Media Partners of Tour de Munster 2008, will cover up to date information running up to and during the event.  Information is also available on www.tourdemunster.com.