Irish sporting legend Sean Kelly was on hand to officially launch the 23rd Annual Tour de Munster at Cork’s Field of Dreams on Saturday, June 11.
The 2023 Tour de Munster will take to the road from Thursday, August 10, to Sunday, August 13, with over 100 cyclists venturing 600km across the six counties of Munster in aid of the Munster branches of Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI).
Absolutely thrilled that Dan was representing Waterford at @Munsterrugby who’s partnering with @DownSyndromeIRL and @TourDeMunster.#TourDeMunster, the 600km charity cycle which has raised €4m for the Munster branches. Great to meet our Waterford @JackODonoghue8 again! ?? pic.twitter.com/yH6aOltzve
— Mary Foskin (@m2thefizzle) April 4, 2023
Established in 2001, the Tour has had a life-changing impact on the lives of numerous people through its fundraising efforts. It has raised over €4 million for its beneficiaries since its inception, with DSI Munster branches the primary beneficiary since 2010. Its goal is to enable those with Down syndrome to develop, flourish, and live as independently as possible.
Speaking at the launch, the founder of the Tour, Paul Sheridan, said, “I am delighted to see so many people here today at the Field of Dreams as we mark the official launch of the 23rd Tour de Munster.
"I would like to say a huge thank you to the wonderful members and families of Down Syndrome Ireland and everyone who continues to get behind the Tour, including the many businesses, organisations and of course, the cyclists who help us to make a real difference for those with Down syndrome and their families across Munster."
Mary Foskin of Down Syndrome Waterford added, “Thanks to the continued support of Tour de Munster over the past 13 years, much-needed funds have been raised to continue to provide vital services and supports such as Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy for our members in Waterford.
"The partnership has created a really fantastic community among DSI branches here in Munster. The support from everyone involved means so much, and we are looking forward to welcoming the tour to Waterford once again this August."
Sean Kelly at the launch of 2023 Tour de Munster
2023 will mark the 18th year that Sean Kelly has offered his support to the Tour de Munster. Speaking at the launch, he reiterated his undeniable commitment to the cause.
“I have been lucky to meet many wonderful children and adults with Down syndrome through my involvement with Tour de Munster over the past number of years," he said.
"I look forward to my 18th Tour this August and taking to the road with a great bunch of people. I am a proud supporter of DSI’s Munster branches, whose almost exclusively volunteer-run committees dedicate their time to providing members with indispensable services, facilities and social opportunities which I have witnessed through my involvement with the Tour."
Munster Rugby is the official charity partner of DSI Munster Branches and Tour de Munster.
Tour de Munster 2023 will kick off from the English Market on Thursday, August 10, making its way through Tipperary, Waterford, Limerick, Clare and Kerry before returning to the Rebel County on Sunday the 13th.
For more information on the Tour de Munster, visit www.tourdemunster.com, or find it on Facebook @tourdemunster. You can donate to this year’s Tour de Munster at https://www.idonate.ie/event/tdm23. For further information on Down Syndrome Ireland, please see www.downsyndrome.ie.
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