Tour de Munster 2023 raises €417k in aid of Down Syndrome Ireland

Paul Sheridan, Tour de Munster founder and organiser, pictured with Michelle Coughlan from DSI Limerick Branch, Clare Dunne from Mayfield, Jeni Kiely from Carriglaine, and Aisling Nolan from Tipperary at the official cheque presentation of the Tour de Munster 2023 charity cycle. Pic: Diane Cusack

The 2023 Tour de Munster charity cycle has raised more than €400,000 in aid of the Munster branches of Down Syndrome Ireland

The 2023 Tour de Munster charity cycle has raised €417,077.72 in aid of the Munster branches of Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI). The grand total was revealed at a cheque presentation on November 17th which saw cyclists, supporters and DSI Munster branches come together to celebrate the achievements of this year’s Tour.

Celebrating 23 years since its inception, the highly regarded and indispensable Tour de Munster charity cycle has now raised over €5 million. This is the 14th successive year that DSI has been the main beneficiary of the charity cycle, with the Tour raising €4.4 million alone for Down Syndrome Ireland’s Munster branches.

In total, the tour raised over €442,000 with some cyclists raising funds for other charities near and dear to their hearts, including West Cork Down Syndrome Support Group, West Cork Jesters and Enable Ireland.

The funds raised will continue to make a tremendous difference to the lives of people with Down syndrome in Munster, as well as their friends and families by providing vital services and facilities in each county which they so heavily rely on.

The 2023 charity cycle witnessed over 120 amateur cyclists embarking on a challenging 600km journey through the six counties of Munster from August 10th to the 13th. These cyclists, with the support of their friends, family, and dedicated volunteers along the route, covered their own expenses to ensure that all the funds raised directly benefited DSI and the individual beneficiaries.

Sean Kelly, a longtime supporter of Tour de Munster, once again joined the cycling group for the Tour, covering an average of 150 km per day through the picturesque towns and villages of Cork, Waterford, Tipperary, Limerick, Clare, and Kerry.

Paul Sheridan, the founder of Tour de Munster, expressed his profound gratitude for the overwhelming support the tour received. Speaking during the cheque presentation, Paul remarked, “I am immensely proud of our cyclists this year for their unwavering dedication and extraordinary fundraising efforts. Thank you to the donors, whose generous donations will make a profound impact to DSI’s Munster branches.

A great night celebrating the massive achievement of @TourDeMunster in Cork last Friday evening. €417,077 raised from this year’s event for the Munster branches of @DownSyndromeIRL.#SaddleUp4DownSyndrome pic.twitter.com/GCado3kHi8— Down Syndrome Limerick (@DSLimerick) November 20, 2023

“We are immensely thankful to the numerous companies and individuals who have steadfastly supported the Tour over the past 23 years. I would also like to thank Munster Rugby who provided invaluable support and platforming for our cause through our official charity partnership”.

Thanking all those who supported the Tour de Munster this year, Michelle Coughlan, Chairperson of Down Syndrome Limerick said, “From us all here at Down Syndrome Limerick, we are so thankful to Tour de Munster for their commitment to our charity and the help and support they provide in raising vital funds.

“We would like to give a special thanks to everyone who went above and beyond this year to raise funds; the hard work has paid off and 2023 has been such a successful tour. The funds raised has a palpable impact on the charity and on the children and adults with Down syndrome availing of services with us.”

The heroes return! 4 days, 6 counties and 600km – our amazing Tour de Munster cyclists give one last push up the iconic Patrick's Hill in Cork!
Please donate here https://t.co/uutGXkPuCJ pic.twitter.com/yXII0wgVsu— Down Syndrome IRL (@DownSyndromeIRL) August 13, 2023

Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI) Munster Branches and Tour de Munster are official charity partners of Munster Rugby.

Find further information about Tour de Munster here
Find out more about Down Syndrome Ireland here
Read more Down Syndrome Limerick stories here