2025 Tour de Munster raises €543K in aid of Down Syndrome Ireland

2025 Tour de Munster raises €543K in aid of Down Syndrome Ireland. Tour founder Paul Sheridan, champion cyclist Sean Kelly, Martina Kelly, President of Down Syndrome Ireland, Sarah Casey from DSI Limerick branch, Emily Manning from DSI Cork branch, and Conor O’Dea, President of Tour de Munster, pictured with Santa Claus at the official cheque presentation for the 2025 annual Tour de Munster charity cycle on Saturday, 20th December. Pic: Diane Cusack

The 2025 Tour de Munster charity cycle has made a significant impact, raising over €543,833 in aid of Down Syndrome Ireland

The Tour de Munster charity cycle has once again made a significant impact, raising over €543,833 in aid of Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI) this year.

The impressive total was officially announced on Saturday, December 20th, during a cheque presentation ceremony proudly attended by cycling legend and long-time Tour supporter Sean Kelly.

This year marked the 25th edition of the Tour, which took place from August 7th to 10th, and represented a notable milestone as the renowned charity cycle celebrated its 16th consecutive year supporting DSI nationally. Since its launch in 2001, Tour de Munster has now raised an extraordinary €5.5 million for the Munster branches of Down Syndrome Ireland.

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The 2025 charity cycle once again saw participants take on a demanding 600km journey through the picturesque counties of Munster, each presenting its own unique test, from rugged terrain to unpredictable weather. Despite the shifting conditions and physical strain, cyclists pushed through with determination, driven by a cause close to many of their hearts.

Their efforts aimed to raise vital funds that will have a profound impact on the lives of individuals with Down syndrome across Munster, supporting essential services and facilities that benefit both them and their families throughout the region.

Each cyclist, supported by family, friends and dedicated volunteers, covered their own expenses to ensure that every cent raised went directly to DSI and other chosen support charities.

Several cyclists also opted to raise funds for causes close to their hearts, including the West Cork Down Syndrome Support Group and Cork ARC Cancer Support House. The total raised by this year’s Tour exceeded 575K.

Speaking during the cheque presentation, Paul Sheridan, founder of Tour de Munster, said:
“I am immensely proud to mark the 25th anniversary of the Tour de Munster and to reflect on how far this charity cycle has come. Year after year, the dedication of our cyclists, volunteers and supporters has helped us grow this initiative into something truly meaningful. Raising over €575,000 this year is a remarkable achievement and the 543K raised for

Munster branches of DSI will make a significant difference to the vital work they carry out daily.”

Sheridan continued, “We are deeply grateful to the many companies, organisations, and individuals who have stood by us over the past 25 years. Their continued generosity has made this journey possible. As we look to the future, our goal is to build on this momentum, strengthen the Tour even further, and continue expanding our impact for many years to come.”

Sean Kelly, a longtime supporter of Tour de Munster, said, “It’s incredible to witness the remarkable growth of the Tour de Munster over the years and the extraordinary effort put in by every cyclist who takes part. I’ve experienced many great achievements throughout my professional career, but the spirit, determination and heart shown on this Tour stands out in a very special way.

“I’m proud to return year after year, because I can see the real and lasting impact this event has on families and individuals with Down syndrome across Munster. Every kilometre ridden is worth it when you witness the difference it can make.”

Aidan Stacey, CEO of Down Syndrome Ireland, said, “Tour de Munster captures the very best of community spirit, compassion and determination. To see over €575,000 raised in 2025, as the Tour celebrates its 25th year, is deeply moving and a powerful reminder of what people can achieve when they rally behind a cause that truly matters. On behalf of Down Syndrome Ireland, I want to express our heartfelt gratitude to the cyclists, volunteers, sponsors and supporters whose generosity continues to change lives.”

Following this year’s Tour, Michelle Coughlan, Chairperson of Down Syndrome Limerick, said, “I’d like to give a huge thank you to all involved for their incredible hard work and dedication over the past year. Marking the 25th anniversary of Tour de Munster, the tremendous fundraising efforts and awareness campaign improves the lives of so many children and adults with Down syndrome, and it’s what makes the Tour so special year after year. Tour de Munster really is an amazing experience and so many friendships have been formed between the communities, the families, cyclists and volunteers. We really can’t express our thanks and gratitude enough.”