Members of the Tipperary branch of Down Syndrome Ireland will today welcome the annual Tour de Munster.
The four day event gets underway in Cork city this morning with the opening leg taking the 100 cyclists through the Premier County to the stage end in Ballina.
The group – accompanied by the former world number one cyclist Sean Kelly from Carrick on Suir – will arrive into Tipp over the Vee before a stop in Clogheen. From there its on to Cahir, Bansha and Tipp Town before a stop at Ballykisteen Hotel.
Over €5 million has been raised for the Munster branches of DSI over the years.
Linda Gillick from DSI Tipperary says their Meitheal 21 house in Thurles benefits hugely from the efforts.
“Probably our doors wouldn’t be able to stay open if it wasn’t for the Tour de Munster. They do so much for us – it is one of our biggest fundraisers of the year. They really do help families, members – they bring so much to our doors they really do and we know we have this coming in and we can plan ahead then as well.”
Linda Gillick says everyone in the local branch looks forward to the Tour de Munster arriving in Tipp.
“We have a dance group called Tipperary Treasures and once a year they get to perform their dance for the Tour de Munster and it is the highlight of their year. From when it ends they keep saying when is Tour de Munster coming back so we can dance for them?
“And our adult members particularly this year are more involved as well at the cooking in Clogheen for them. The cyclists have just become extended family for us.”
The riders are due in Clogheen shortly after 1pm where Tipp DSI will be providing pasta and pastries in the Community Hall. From there the Tour will pass through Cahir around 2.30, Tipp Town at 3.30 with a lunch stop in Ballykisteen at 3.40 following which they will set off again around 4.30pm
