Official Launch of the 13th Annual Tour de Munster Charity Cycle In aid of Down Syndrome Ireland

21 June 2013

Official Launch of the 13th Annual Tour de Munster Charity Cycle In aid of Down Syndrome Ireland

Yesterday Sean Kelly officially launched the 13th Annual Tour de Munster, a four day charity cycle which takes place this year from Thursday 8th to Sunday 11th August. It will see 120 amateur cyclists cycle over 600km around the six counties of Munster, in aid of beneficiary for the fourth year in a row - Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI Munster branches).

Tonight’s event, which took place at Fota Wildlife Park, was attended by many of the cyclists taking part this year as well as members of DSI Munster branches and families supported by the charity. As an extra special treat, the kids got to explore Fota Wildlife Park, getting up close to its inhabitants.

MC for the evening was DSI’s Michael O’Gorman who welcomed special guest Cllr. Barbara Murray, Mayor of Cork County.

Cycling legend Sean Kelly, who will be joining the cyclists for his eighth year, stated: “I’m delighted to be associated with the event now in its 13th year. A very worthy cause, wonderful synergy between the event and DSI, and a fantastic route with loads of challenges, which reminds us of the challenges faced by people affected by Down Syndrome.”

The idea of the Tour de Munster fundraiser was developed by tenacious Paul Sheridan who has managed to raise over one million euro during the past twelve years for different national charities, helping the lives of countless people.

At the launch, organiser Paul said “I would like to thank everyone who has got behind Tour de Munster. I am struck every year by the support we receive on this journey around Munster, by the well-wishers, the friendly faces, the welcome and the support in every city, town and village we pass. I am still hugely overwhelmed by the record breaking amounts we raised these past few years and hopefully with everyone’s support we can raise the same again this year! DSI is such a worthy charity and working with them these pass four years has really increased our knowledge of DSI and the issues that parents and children with Down syndrome face.  We are delighted to be in a position to help, not only through the money we hope to raise, but also by raising awareness.”

Clare Leonard, outgoing President of DSI also added “All of us in Down Syndrome Ireland are so delighted that our Munster counties are the beneficiaries of the Tour de Munster for what I believe is an unprecedented fourth year.  We are extremely grateful to Paul and his committee for their generous support and all the money received will go towards helping to improve the lives of all our members with Down syndrome.”

Fionn Crombie Angus, a 17 year old boy from Clare with Down syndrome, also spoke of a video he is putting together profiling ten or so others with Down syndrome, and asking 'What do you love about your life?’.

Tony Scott, Regional Operations Director, Nightline Logistic Group, the main sponsors of the event, also spoke during the event; “Nightline Logistics has worked with the Tour De Munster team in sponsoring this very worthwhile event for a number of years and 2013 marks another year as main sponsor. As an Irish company that serves communities all across the country we understand the very real difference that Tour De Munster and their charity partners make. We are delighted to lend our support and look forward to a great tour for all participants.”

Guests then enjoyed refreshments generously sponsored by Fota Wildlife Park. Media partners for this year’s event are the Irish Examiner, Red FM, Spin South West, Clare FM, Tipp FM and WLR FM. This year’s Tour de Munster begins in Cork on August 8th and continues over four days, through all the counties in Munster and returning to Cork on August 11th.

For up to date information and developments on the Tour please log onto www.tourdemunster.com or you can follow the Tour on twitter @tourdemunster.  For further information on Down Syndrome Ireland please see www.downsyndrome.ie