29 July 2021
By Elaine Murphy
elaine@TheCork.ie
With the final countdown on to the 2021 Tour de Munster charity cycle in aid of Down Syndrome Ireland Munster branches, participants are adding the finishing touches to their training preparations as they gear up to tackle the 600km route across the six counties of Munster from August 5th to 8th.
Celebrating its 21st year, the annual cycle has raised a phenomenal €3.4 million for its beneficiaries since 2001 and cyclists are motivated more that ever in their quest to raise vital funds and awareness for Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI) Munster branches who play a vital role in the lives of children and adults with Down syndrome in Munster.
Ryan Mulroy pictured at last year’s Tour de Munster.
Pictured at the official launch of the 21st annual Tour de Munster charity cycle in aid of Down Syndrome Ireland [DSI], hosted at DSI Tipperary’s new premises, Meitheal 21 in Thurles. The four-day charity cycle takes place from Thursday, August 5th to Sunday August 8th and will see over 150 amateur cyclists travel over 600km around the six counties of Munster, raising funds for the Munster Branches of DSI. Pictured ltor, Paul Sheridan Founder of Tour de Munster, Katie Cleary, Michael Lowry T.D, Cycling Legend Sean Kelly and Barry Sheridan CEO Down Syndrome Ireland.
This year’s tour will be kicking off from The English Market on Grand Parade in Cork City on Thursday, 5th August, and will return to Cork to see cyclists finish up the iconic and demanding St. Patrick’s Hill on Sunday, 8thth August.
Cycling legend and avid supporter of the Tour, Sean Kelly will once again again take to the road on August 5th, tackling the 600km route which will see amateur cyclists travel across all six counties in Munster, make their way through its beautiful cities, towns and villages in their quest to raise vital funds and awareness for Down Syndrome Ireland’s Munster branches.
Looking forward to this year’s tour, Paul Sheridan founder of Tour de Munster said, “The Tour is a real endurance test for participants and behind the scenes, a huge amount of hard work and dedication goes into preparing for a tour like this and the commitment from participants has been amazing. These cyclists dedicate months to training and fundraising and without their support, none of this would be possible.”
Paul continued, “As we make our way through the six counties of Munster and are encouraged by the wonderful branches of Down Syndrome Ireland, it’s all the motivation we need to keep pedaling. Every cent raised makes a difference to the amazing children and adults who are members of these branches and we hope the public can show their support and donate whatever they can.
Speaking ahead of this year’s tour, Debbie Kelleher, Care Coordinator with Down Syndrome Cork said, “It won’t be long before pedals are turning and we are really looking forward to welcoming Tour de Munster to Cork once again and wish all participants the best of luck as their journey commences. The funds raised by the cyclists, sponsors and supporters each year make a huge difference to the lives of those with Down syndrome as well as their families. I would like to thank Paul Sheridan for his continued passion and vision over the past 11 years.”
The Irish Examiner, Clare FM, Tipp FM, WLR FM, Red FM, SPIN South West and Pure Radio are the Official Media Partners of Tour de Munster 2021.
To donate to this year’s Tour de Munster, visit www.idonate.ie/tdm
For route information and the latest information and news log onto www.tourdemunster.com or find it on Facebook.
For further information on Down Syndrome Ireland please see www.downsyndrome.ie.
2021 Tour de Munster Route
Stage 1: Cork – Limerick
Thursday, August 5th, 2021
Cork (Silversprings Hotel): 8:00am – 8:45am
The English Market (Grand Parade) : 8:25 – 9:25am
Midleton: 10:25am – 10:40am
Tallow – 11:40am-11:40pm
Lismore: 12:10pm – 12:30pm
Clogheen (Clogheen Community Hall): 1:25pm – 2:00pm
Cahir: 2:30pm – 2:30pm
Tipperary: 3:30pm – 3:30pm
Ballykisteen(Lunch): 3:40pm – 4:30pm
Limerick (King John’s Castle): 5:20pm – 5:50pm
Stage 2: Limerick – Tralee
Friday, August 6th, 2021
Limerick (The Savoy Hotel): 9:00am
Quin: 10.30am
Ennis: (tea/coffee: Temple Gate Hotel): 11.15am -11.45am
Kildysart: 1:00pm – 1:00pm
Kilimer (Ferry – Lunch on Board): 2:00pm – 2:00pm
Tarbert : 2:20pm – 2:20pm
Listowel ( tea/coffee & scone: Christy’s pub): 3:10pm – 3:40pm
Tralee (The Rose Hotel): 4:40pm
Stage 3: Tralee – Kenmare
Saturday, August 7th, 2021
Tralee: 9:45am
Stradbally: 10:20am – 10:20am
Dingle (Lunch: Skellig Hotel): 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Castlemaine (refreshments: MACE, N70/R561 junction): 2:30pm – 2:50pm
Milltown: 3:00pm – 3:00pm
Aghadoe Heights: 3:45pm – 3:55pm
Killarney (break: Deenagh lodge): 4:00pm – 4:30pm
Kenmare (Lansdowne Arms Hotel): 5:45pm
Stage 4: Kenmare – Cork
Sunday, August 8th, 2021
Kenmare: 10am
Caha Pass
Glengarriff (tea/coffee: The Maple Leaf Bar): 11:00am – 11:30am
Ballylickey: 12:00pm – 12:00pm
Gouganebarra (lunch): 1:00pm – 1:45pm
Ballingeary: 2:05pm
Inchigeela: 2:35pm
Macroom: 3:15pm – 3:15pm
Lissarda (break): 3:35pm – 3:50pm
Cork (Clayton Silversprings Hotel): 5:15pm
