- The Tour de Munster is a 4-day, 600km cycle through the six counties of Munster. Over 100 cyclists take part each year, all tasked with raising much needed funds for Down Syndrome Ireland and other charities.
- The Tour de Munster started in 2001. Paul Sheridan, organiser and brainchild, had a 10-year vision where 100 cyclists would raise €100,000 each year but also raise the public’s awareness of the work that the beneficiaries do.
- The Tour de Munster raised money each year for various charities including:
- Down Syndrome Ireland’s Munster Branches
- Irish Handicapped Pilgrims Trust (IHCPT)
- Greater Chernobyl Cause
- Marie Keating Foundation
- TV3 Baby Max Wings of Love Fund
- Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland (CFAI)
- Enable Ireland
- Chernobyl Children’s Project International (CCPI)
- West Cork Down Syndrome Support Group
- Bothar
- Irish Cancer Society
- Friendly Call Cork
- Sapling’s Special School, Rathfarnham
- From 2010 – 2016, the Munster branches of Down Syndrome Ireland were the sole beneficiaries for the Tour de Munster. In 2017, other beneficiaries were included but only if nominated by a participating cyclist. This allowed cyclists to fundraise for charities that were personal to them but also to continue the good work in raising awareness for children and adults with Down syndrome.
- To date almost €4.6 million has been raised for charities in the 22 years of the Tour de Munster.
Seán Kelly cycled in the first stage of all editions from 2006-2008 and has cycled all stages since 2009. Seán is a wonderful ambassador for the Tour de Munster and a great support for the charities involved.