Cycling champion launches the Tour de Munster in Limerick for its 25th year

AS PARTICIPNATS gear up for the 25th annual Tour de Munster charity cycle, cycling legend Seán Kelly officially launched this year’s Tour at St. Mary’s Cathedral, joined by local families from Limerick who showed their support ahead of the upcoming event.

This year's Tour marks a significant occasion as the renowned charity cycle will be on the road for 25 years. Since its inception in 2001, the Tour de Munster has raised over €5 million for the Munster branches of DSI and has made real and lasting change for children and adults with Down syndrome across the region.

The silver anniversary edition of Tour de Munster will take to the road from Thursday, August 7th to Sunday, August 10th and will see amateur cyclists tackle a 600km route through all six counties of Munster to raise vital funds for the Munster branches of Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI).

Funds raised from this year’s Tour will support the essential services provided by DSI’s Munster branches. These include Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, employment support, and other practical resources that help improve the quality of life for people with Down syndrome and their families.

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The 2025 Tour de Munster will mark the 19th year that cycling legend Séan Kelly has supported the cycle.  

At Tuesday’s event Seán spoke of his commitment to the cause, “I’ve been fortunate to meet so many incredible children and adults with Down syndrome through Tour de Munster over the past two decades. This year’s 25th edition is a special milestone, and I’m proud to be part of it once again. The commitment shown by DSI’s Munster branches is truly inspiring. Their work provides vital services and support, and it’s a privilege to play a role in helping that continue.”

Paul Sheridan, who established Tour de Munster spoke at the launch, “It’s hard to believe we’re marking the 25th Tour de Munster - a milestone that reflects the incredible commitment of everyone involved over the past 25 years. From the beginning, this event has been rooted in community, compassion and the drive to make a real difference. I’m hugely grateful to the families of Down Syndrome Ireland, our cyclists, volunteers, sponsors and supporters who’ve been with us every step of the way.”

After 25 years Paul remains the only cyclist to have taken part in every Tour de Munster, covering over 15,000 kilometres in total, almost a third of the way around the globe.

Speaking at the launch event Michelle Coughlan, Chairperson of Down Syndrome Limerick, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be hosting this year's launch in the beautiful St. Mary’s Cathedral, It is wonderful to see so many familiar faces and I really want to thank everyone for making the journey to be with us today, this clearly reflects the ongoing support for this event. The support and effort that goes into backing our charity each year is genuinely valued and never taken for granted.”

Also commenting on the launch, Gerard O'Carroll, Down Syndrome Ireland President said “Tour de Munster has been instrumental in the annual fundraising efforts of our Munster branches. These funds provide ‘all-through-life’ supports to people with Down syndrome and their families. On behalf of Down Syndrome Ireland, thank you to every rider, donor, and volunteer for being part of this remarkable journey. We wish you the very best of luck for this year’s Tour.”

Route information for the cycle is available on the Tour de Munster website.