Tour de Munster kicks off tomorrow and will pass through Tipperary

Tour de Munster is ready to hit the road for 600 km cycle in aid of Down Syndrome Ireland

Excitement is building as final preparations take place for cyclists participating in the 2023 Tour de Munster. This year’s Tour will see 110 cyclists take on the epic challenge of travelling 600 km across the six counties of Munster from August 10 to 13 on their quest to raise vital funds for Down Syndrome Ireland’s Munster branches.

Now in its 23rd year, the annual Tour de Munster charity cycle has raised over €4 million for its charity partners, with the Munster branches of Down Syndrome Ireland being the primary beneficiary. The vital funds raised have a significant impact on the lives and development of children and adults with Down syndrome across the Munster region.

Chairperson of Down Syndrome Tipperary Linda Gillick said they are looking forward to this year's event.  

“We are really looking forward to welcoming the 23rd edition of the Tour de Munster charity cycle to Tipperary this August. As a past participant of The tour, I appreciate the huge amount of hard work and dedication that goes into preparing for this 600km route. 

"Here in Tipperary, we can’t thank everyone enough for their continued support to continue to improve services and facilities for our members with Down syndrome, also a special thank you to Paul Sheridan for his continued passion and vision.”

This year’s tour will be kicking off from The English Market on Grand Parade in Cork City on Thursday, August 10, and return to Cork to see cyclists finish up by taking on the demanding but iconic heights of St Patrick’s Hill on Sunday, August 13. 

Irish cycling legend and avid supporter Sean Kelly will once again take part in the Tour de Munster this year. 

Sean will be joined by over 110 amateur cyclists on the four-day expedition across all six counties in Munster, making their way through its beautiful cities, towns and villages in their quest to raise vital funds and awareness for Down Syndrome Ireland’s Munster branches.

Speaking ahead of this year’s tour, founder of Tour de Munster Paul Sheridan said: 

“The Tour is a true endurance test for participants, whose devotion to their training schedules has been incredible. Behind the scenes, a great deal of hard work and attention to detail goes into preparing for a cycle like this. Without the months of preparation and funding put in by these cyclists, none of this would be achievable.”

“We have all the incentive we need to keep pedalling as we travel through the six counties of Munster and are inspired by the amazing Down Syndrome Ireland branches. We hope the public will show their support and give whatever they can to help the outstanding kids and adults who are members of these branches as each cent contributed helps make a difference.”

Tour de Munster 2023 will kick off from the English Market on Thursday the August 10, making its way through Tipperary, Waterford, Limerick, Clare and Kerry before returning to the Rebel County on Sunday the 13th.

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.

For further information on Down Syndrome Ireland, please see www.downsyndrome.ie.