Cyclists who took part in an Irish sportive this year raised almost €450,000 for charity after a huge effort, both on the bike and drumming up up the money. The sum raised this year means the Tour de Munster has now raided €4.6 million in its 22-year history.
The event was led this year by Irish cycling legend Sean Kelly and Olympic rower Gary O’Donovan, with more than 100 cyclists joining them for the four-day sportive in August covering over 600km through Munster. Down Syndrome Ireland branches in Munster were the main beneficiary, receiving €390,000. Some of the cyclists who took part raised a further €55,000 for charities of their choice, bringing the total raised to €445,000.
"We are thrilled to have raised €390,000, as it will go a long way toward assisting the life-changing work carried out each day by the Munster branches of Down Syndrome Ireland," said Paul Sheridan, the founder of Tour de Munster.
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"Without the tremendous devotion and work put forward by cyclists, volunteers, and supporters, none of this would have been possible. In particular, I would like to thank this year’s title sponsor U-blox.”
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Gerard O’Carroll, the newly elected Down Syndrome Ireland president, said the money raised would "have such a fantastic impact on our Munster branches and we are so grateful for this wonderful community".
This year the stages - from August 4th to 7th - took the riders from Cork to Killaloe on day 1 followed over the three three days by: Killaloe to Tralee; Tralee to Kenmare; Kenmare to Cork.
A major fundraising drive takes place around Tour de Munster, which results in such large sums of money being raised even though a relatively modest number of cyclists, for a sportive event, take part.
To find out more about the Tour de Munster, including plans for next year's event, please follow this link.
