The Clare Champion Clare news, sport, entertainment and local notes
PEDAL power has helped to raise over half a million euro for branches of Down Syndrome Ireland in Munster, including Clare.
2021 will certainly be a year to remember for Tour de Munster, not only as the Tour celebrated its 21st edition, but also raising a phenomenal €522,201- its largest sum to date for the Munster branches of Down Syndrome Ireland.
The grand total was revealed at a cheque presentation on Saturday with cycling legend and long term supporter of the Tour, Sean Kelly, presenting the cheque.
Jean Hanrahan of Down Syndrome Clare said, “A huge round of applause is in order for all those involved in this year’s Tour de Munster. It’s truly great to see that, despite the circumstances of the past 18 months, 2021 has been the most successful Tour to date in terms of funds raised. From us all in Down Syndrome Clare, we can’t express our gratitude enough. ”
Since the tour began in 2001, over €3.9 million has been raised for charity with over €3 million raised for the Munster branches of Down Syndrome Ireland.
Funds raised as a result of Tour de Munster play a significant role across each Munster branch of Down Syndrome Ireland who provide a range of vital supports and services to children and adults with Down syndrome and their families.
In their quest to raise vital funds and awareness, this year’s Tour saw over 150 amateur cyclists make their way across the six counties of Munster, travelling over 600km from August 5 – 8, supported by friends, family members and many volunteers along the way.
Sean Kelly, who celebrated his 16th Tour de Munster, once again led the 150 cyclists through the beautiful towns and villages of Cork, Waterford, Tipperary, Limerick, Clare and Kerry, covering an average of 150 km per day.
Paul Sheridan, who established Tour de Munster in 2001, was once again amazed by the magnificent support the Tour received again this year. Speaking at the cheque presentation, Paul said, “I am so proud of everyone involved in this year’s Tour de Munster. We are over the moon to have raised such a phenomenal sum of €522,201 which will go a very long way in supporting the fantastic work carried out on a daily basis by the Munster branches of Down Syndrome Ireland. None of this would have been possible without the huge dedication and efforts made by cyclists, volunteers and supporters. We are very grateful to the many companies and the public who have supported the Tour in the past 21 years, in particular this year’s main sponsors u-blox and UPS for their continued support.”
For more information on Tour de Munster and DSI log onto www.tourdemunster.com and www.downsyndrome.ie.
