Hitting New Heights: Tour de Munster charity cycle draws to a close with a final ascent up Patrick’s Hill

The 23rd edition of the Tour de Munster charity cycle, which raises funds in support for the Munster branches of Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI), came to a high finale in Cork City on Sunday evening, August 8. The Tour covered more than 600 kilometres across the six counties of Munster. 

The four-day charity cycle took place from August 10th to 13th, and saw long-term supporter of the Tour, Sean Kelly lead 110 amateur cyclists through the towns and villages of Munster in their pursuit to raise vital funds for the Munster branches of DSI, who this year celebrated their 14th year as the main beneficiary of the Tour. 

The Tour set out from the famous English Market in Cork City on Thursday morning, covering an average distance of 150 kilometres every day as cyclists and support crews travelled through the counties of Waterford, Tipperary, Limerick, Clare, and Kerry before returning to Cork on the last day. 

Since its inception in 2001, Tour de Munster has raised over €4.6 million for its beneficiaries, with a staggering €4 million for Down Syndrome Ireland’s Munster branches alone.

Speaking at the finish atop Patrick’s Hill, Paul Sheridan, founder of Tour de Munster, thanked those involved in the success of Tour de Munster 2023: “We’ve had a terrific four days, and I’m grateful to everyone who took part in the Tour this year. While it can be challenging to prepare for a 600 km tour, we simply have to keep in mind why we are doing it, the incredible children and people with Down syndrome in Munster, to give us that extra push.”

Paul concluded: “I want to express appreciation to everyone who encouraged us along the way throughout the course of the last four days. We have received a lot of support. Every participant appreciates the support so much, and it truly inspires us.”

Clare FM, Tipp FM, WLR FM, Red FM, SPIN South West and Pure Radio are the Official Media Partners of Tour de Munster 2023.

Munster Rugby is the official charity partner of Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI) Munster Branches and Tour de Munster. 

For more information on the Tour de Munster, visit www.tourdemunster.com, or find it on Facebook @tourdemunster.

To donate to this year’s Tour de Munster, https://www.idonate.ie/event/tdm23.

To find out more about Down Syndrome Ireland, please see www.downsyndrome.ie.