Christmas comes early for Down Syndrome Ireland as Tour de Munster raises €296,000 Christmas has come early for Tour de Munster as a staggering €296,000 was presented by cycling legend Sean Kelly to Clare Leonard, President of Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI)at an event held in the Silversprings hotel in Cork last Saturday 3rd December.

 The overwhelming amount was raised by 150 amateur cyclists who undertook a four day 600km cycle around the six counties of Munster during August, and the scores of DSI volunteers,  in the annual Tour de Munster four day charity cycle. Each cyclist covered their own expenses so that every penny raised went directly to the charity.

Tour de Munster organiser Paul Sheridan was ecstatic with the overall amount raised “Last year we raised €250,000 which was our best year ever. To exceed this is just fantastic especially in very challenging times for fundraising. We are very grateful to the many companies especially the main sponsor Nightline Delivers and the public who supported us throughout the past eleven years. The DSI slogan is “share the journey” and we have certainly shared the journey with you.”

Clare Leonard, President of DSI said “We are absolutely delighted by the amount of money which was raised by this year’s Tour de Munster. We want to thank all of the cyclists, supporters  and volunteers and in particular to Michael O’ Gorman from DSI Cork, who contacted Paul Sheridan originally. This money is going to make a phenomenal difference in the lives of children and adults who have Down Syndrome and we greatly appreciate it. That we were chosen for the second year running as the beneficiary bears testament to the hard work all of the branch members put in behind the scenes and during the four day tour and to the passion and commitment of Paul Sheridan and all involved with the Tour de Munster. We are forever grateful.”

Each branch in Munster will receive an equal share of the money and has sent in a proposal to explain how they would like to spend the money. Areas of expenditure include Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy as well as early intervention services which are vital for the development of children with Down Syndrome.

The money will also be spent on sports and leisure activities which are as important to the children, helping them to achieve their goals and be independent.  

Special thanks were also given to Media Partners the Irish Examiner, Red FM, Spin South West, Clare FM, Tipp FM and WLR FM. For more information please visit www.tourdemunster.com Or www.downsyndrome.ie