Cycling legend Seán Kelly today launched the Tour de Munster 2008 Charity Cycle in aid of Enable Ireland.  The Tour commences on Thursday 14th August when a team of ‘leisure’ cyclists will commence a demanding and challenging four-day 600km charity cycle. The ambitious course will take them through all the counties of Munster, with all funds raised going directly to Enable Ireland’s Disability Services in the Munster Region.To launch this year’s challenge a press reception was held at Enable Ireland Cork’s Children’s Services at the Lavanagh Centre in Ballintemple. 

Speaking at the launch Seán Kelly told the gathered press and invited guests that he was delighted to be involved with the project once again.   “This year will be my third year involved with the Tour de Munster and I am looking forward to joining the other cyclists during the gruelling four days of cycling.  I know it is classed as a “leisure” cycle, but there are stretches that can be tough, no matter what the standard, and believe me this team from the Tour de Munster will earn every cent of the money they collect on behalf of Enable Ireland.”

Paul Sheridan who is the project leader of the 2008 Tour de Munster stated “Our aim is to raise €90,000 towards Enable Ireland and support their action on disability.  This year should be our most successful year to date as we have a record number of cyclists on board from all the counties in Munster.  The team are busy getting their sponsorship forms filled up, raising as much funds as possible for this worthy cause.”

Enable Ireland CEO Fionnuala O’Donovan says ‘Funds raised from the Tour de Munster will be a huge benefit to over 1000 children and adults with disabilities that we support in Munster. For example, in Kerry the Tour will support our fundraising for a new Children’s Services Centre to replace the existing inadequate facility in Haig’s Terrace, Tralee. And in Cork, the money is going to be used to fund vital transport and respite projects for adults with disabilities. Both are priority fundraising projects for us.  As well as the sponsorship cards, our supporters will be out in force during the four days doing bucket collections on the route and we ask everyone to dig deep to show their support for the cyclists and for the charity.”

The first stage of the Tour will take the cyclists from Cork into Co. Waterford for a big climb at the Vee and through Tipperary and Limerick to Killaloe, Co. Clare.  The second stage which will go through Clare, West Limerick, through Abbeyfeale, Castleisland through Tralee and stopping Cloghane.  Day three will see them face more big climbs over the Conor Pass and Molls Gap as they make their way via Dingle, Killarney and Kenmare to Lauragh on the Beara Peninsula.  Day four will start with a tough climb over the Healy Pass and finish in Cork City on Sunday evening 17th August.

The Irish Examiner, Red FM and Radio Kerry who are the Official Media Partners of Tour de Munster 2008, will cover up to date information running up to and during the event.  Information is also available on www.tourdemunster.com.