Tour de Leinster Charity Cycle In aid of Down Syndrome Ireland

Thursday 18th – Sunday 21st September 2014

Cycling legend Seán Kelly led more than 60 amateur cyclists from TV3 headquarters in Ballymount, Dublin this morning at the start of a 600km charity cycle through the 12 counties of Leinster in aid of Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI).

Seán Kelly was joined by Comedian PJ Gallagher, Down Syndrome Ireland CEO, Pat Clarke and Parcel Motel’s chief executive, John Tuohy, who are the main sponsors of the event.

The cycle, will take place over the next four days and the route takes the cyclists across the Wicklow Gap, Bagenalstown to Carlow via the gruelling Mount Leinster then on to Athlone, the Hill of Tara and north to Drogheda, with the cycle finishing up at Howth Hill in Dublin on Sunday, September 21st.

All cyclists participating in the event cover their own costs, and all funds raised through this inaugural event will go directly to the 10 Leinster branches of Down Syndrome Ireland as well as supporting a number of national projects.

Based on the hugely successful Tour de Munster event, which has raised more than €1million since 2010, Tour de Leinster will raise much-needed funds for the Leinster branches.

With little direct government funding DSI has to fundraise almost 90% of what’s required to run its services.  Funds raised by cyclists and sponsors will be used for the maximum benefit of DSI members and will make a difference to over 1,000 families in Leinster.
Local Branches provide a wide range of services locally including:

}  Home Teacher Programmes

}  Adult Literacy Programmes

}  Speech and Occupational Therapy

}  Early Development Groups

}  Social activities for children and adults
Pat Clarke, said:  “The difference and change that the Tour de Leinster funds will make to the lives of those with Down syndrome is incredible and I’d like to thank each and every one of the cyclists and supporters for their efforts. Every cyclist funds their own participation in the event, which is on top of the sponsorship funds they raise for our Leinster branches.  The generosity of the cyclists and their dedication to Down Syndrome Ireland humbles me and DSI is extremely grateful.”

John Tuohy, CEO, Parcel Motel and Nightline Logistic Group, the main sponsors of the event, said; “Nightline Logistics Group has worked with the Tour De Munster team and is now delighted to be sponsoring this very worthwhile event in Leinster. As an Irish company that service the community, we see the great work Down Syndrome Ireland does for its members on a local level and are delighted to lend our support and look forward to a great tour for all participants.”

Tour de Leinster Route:

Day 1: Thursday 18^th Sept: approx. 170KM

Part 1: Start point (Ballymount, Dublin)-Naas (Square or Town Hall)

Part 2: Naas via Blessington to Laragh

Part 3: Laragh-via Rathdrum, Woodenbridge, Arklow to Gorey

Part 4: Gorey via Ballycanew, Castlebridge to Wexford.

Day 2: Friday 19^th Sept: approx. 150KM.

Part 1: Wexford via Enniscorthy, to Bunclody

Part 2: Bunclody via Kildavin, Myshall, Mount Leinster, Goresbridge to  Gowran

Part 3: Gowran via Paulstown to Carlow

Part 4: Carlow via Killeshin, Swan, Timahoe to Portlaoise

Day 3: Saturday 20^th Sept: approx. 169KM

Part 1: Portlaoise via Mountrath, Clonaslee, Killuran to Tullamore

Part 2: Tullamore via Clara, Moate to Athlone

Part 3: Athlone via Ballymahon to Edgeworthstown

Part 4: Edgeworthstown to Bloomfield House Hotel, Mullingar

Day 4: Sunday 21^st Sept: approx. 190KM

Part 1: Bloomfield House Hotel (Mullingar) via Killucan, Raharney, Ballivor to Trim

Part 2: Trim via Kilmessan, Hill of Tara, Kentstown, Duleek to Drogheda

Part 3: Drogheda via Bettystown, Laytown, Balbriggan, Swords to Malahide

Part 4: Malahide to Howth Hill