Tour de Munster Launches 25th Tour

As participants gear up for the 25th annual Tour de Munster charity cycle, cycling legend Seán Kelly officially launched this year’s Tour at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Limerick on Tuesday, June 17th.

The silver anniversary edition of Tour de Munster will take to the road from Thursday, August 7th to Sunday, August 10th and will see amateur cyclists tackle a 600km route through all six counties of Munster to raise vital funds for the Munster branches of Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI).

This year’s Tour marks a significant occasion as the renowned charity cycle will be on the road for 25 years. Since its inception in 2001, the Tour de Munster has raised over €5 million for the Munster branches of DSI and has made real and lasting change for children and adults with Down syndrome across the region.

Funds raised from this year’s Tour will support the essential services provided by DSI’s Munster branches. These include Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, employment support, and other practical resources that help improve the quality of life for people with Down syndrome and their families.

Paul Sheridan, who established Tour de Munster, spoke at the launch: “It’s hard to believe we’re marking the 25th Tour de Munster – a milestone that reflects the incredible commitment of everyone involved over the past 25 years. From the beginning, this event has been rooted in community, compassion and the drive to make a real difference. I’m hugely grateful to the families of Down Syndrome Ireland, our cyclists, volunteers, sponsors and supporters who’ve been with us every step of the way.”

After 25 years, Paul remains the only cyclist to have taken part in every Tour de Munster, covering over 15,000 kilometres in total – almost a third of the way around the globe.

Speaking about the launch event, Tara Casserly, Chairperson of Down Syndrome Cork branch, said: “It’s fantastic to see the Tour de Munster mark 25 years. For us in Cork, the relationship with the Tour over the years has helped us continue vital services that support our members day to day. The funds raised each year by Tour de Munster mean so much to us and we are so thankful for the tour’s commitment to our charity.”

The 2025 Tour de Munster will mark the 19th year that cycling legend Séan Kelly has supported the Tour de Munster.  At Tuesday’s event Seán spoke of his commitment to the cause: “I’ve been fortunate to meet so many incredible children and adults with Down syndrome through Tour de Munster over the past two decades. This year’s 25th edition is a special milestone, and I’m proud to be part of it once again. The commitment shown by DSI’s Munster branches is truly inspiring. Their work provides vital services and support, and it’s a privilege to play a role in helping that continue.”

Also commenting on the launch, Gerard O’Carroll, Down Syndrome Ireland President said “Tour de Munster has been instrumental in the annual fundraising efforts of our Munster branches. These funds provide ‘all-through-life’ supports to people with Down syndrome and their families. On behalf of Down Syndrome Ireland, thank you to every rider, donor, and volunteer for being part of this remarkable journey. We wish you the very best of luck for this year’s Tour.”

To support the Tour de Munster and donate, please visit https://www.idonate.ie/event/TDM2025

For route information log onto www.tourdemunster.com and to follow updates on the Tour you can follow their Facebook page. For further information on Down Syndrome Ireland please see www.downsyndrome.ie. Clare FM, Tipp FM, WLR FM, Red FM and SPIN South West are the Official Media Partners of Tour de Munster 2025.

Ends