Today cycling legend Sean Kelly led 149 amateur cyclists from the City Hall in Cork on a 600km Charity Cycle around the six counties of Munster which will take place over the next four days. The cycle known as The Tour de Munster is now in its 11th year and this year all proceeds raised will go towards Down Syndrome Ireland (Munster branches). 

Sean Kelly is an avid supporter of The Tour de Munster and will cycle with the group for the full four days of the Tour, an average of 150 km per day.  

Joining the supporters who will be seeing the cyclists off on the Tour, include Pat Clarke, Chief Executive of Down Syndrome Ireland, the Lord Mayor of Cork City Cllr.Terry Shannon, and Tony Scott, Sales Director of Nightline, the main sponsors of the event.   

Pat Clarke, who spoke at the send off said “I am delighted to be here today to congratulate the organisers for all their hard work. Down Syndrome Ireland is delighted to be the beneficiary of the Tour de Munster for a second year running and in the current economic climate, every bit of financial help is most welcome, to support the work of our Munster branches.”  

Tour Organiser Paul Sheridan also said a few words “I am struck every year by the support we receive on this journey around Munster, by the well wishers, the friendly faces, the welcome and the support in every city, town and village we pass.  It makes this event what I believe to be the best charity cycle out there, with an incredible atmosphere and fantastic  results for the charity. Endurance cycling is a tough sport and when times get tough out there and you’re feeling the strain going up the Connor Pass, just remember you’re doing this for a very worthy cause, to support Down Syndrome Ireland.”  

Many of the courageous participants have cycled The Tour de Munster with Paul year after year, but for some, this is their first Tour de Munster and completing this journey will be a spirited achievement. The cyclists involved come from all over of Ireland and have been training for months. They are united in their common goal of finishing the Tour and raising as much money as possible through individual sponsorships and also through the bucket collections which will take place over all stages of the Tour de Munster. It is worth nothing that each cyclist covers their own expenses so that all money raised goes directly toward Down Syndrome Ireland (Munster Branches).  

The Irish Examiner, Red FM, Spin South West, Clare FM, Tipp FM and WLR FM are the Official Media Partners of Tour de Munster 2011. Information is also available on www.tourdemunster.com. You can also follow the Tour on twitter @tourdemunster.