My Job: Paul Sheridan on 25 years of the Tour de Munster
Name: Paul Sheridan
Occupation: Founder, Tour de Munster
Background: August marks the 25th anniversary of this charity cycle, which has raised more than €5m for Down Syndrome Ireland since its launch in 2001
Starting on August 7, cyclists will once again take on the 600km journey through the towns and villages of Munster. At the heart of it all is Paul Sheridan, who founded the tour and remains its driving force, the only rider to complete every edition since day one, clocking more than 15,000km in support of this cause.
The celebration of this major milestone is built on a foundation of dedication, community, and the difference one person's vision can make. Since its inception in 2001, the event has raised more than €5m for the Munster branches of Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI), funding vital services and support for children and adults across the province. The 25th edition is set to hit the road later this summer, kicking off from Cork City on Thursday, August 7, and continuing over four days around the six counties of Munster, before returning to the city on the 10th.
Tour de Munster participants at Fitzgerald's Park, Cork, in April, to launch the upcoming 25th edition of the charity cycle.
Over the years, hundreds of cyclists have come together to take on the 600km route, and, in the process, have turned each pedal stroke into real change for children and adults with Down syndrome, raising millions in the process.
'The tour is powered by passion and while many participants have a personal connection to Down syndrome, a significant number join simply out of a desire to make a difference,' Paul Sheridan explains.
'Along the route, cyclists are met by DSI families who provide encouragement, hospitality, and a personal connection to the cause they're supporting.
For 25 years, Tour de Munster has been about more than just cycling, it's been about heart, hope, and making a real difference in the lives of people with Down syndrome. Together, we've built a community that champions inclusion, independence, and opportunity.
"To everyone who has pedalled with purpose, donated generously, volunteered their time, or simply cheered us on from the roadside, thank you. You are the reason we've come this far, and the reason we keep going,' he adds.
Paul recalls the origins of the tour being a 10-year vision to get 100 cyclists raising €100,000 annually. 'I saw it as having an organic growth, without advertising or trying to compete with organisations with bigger budgets in order to attract participants.
"I felt if it was properly organised and done well, people would come to cycle and hopefully the next year tell a friend as well. And thankfully it grew on that basis.'
It took five years to reach the original plan of 100 cyclists generating €100,000, and has continued to deliver far beyond those aims as the years rolled on.
With all participants covering their own costs, all funds raised through the event go in their entirety to Down Syndrome Ireland.
'I participated in a few events where I felt awful about the fact that so much of our fundraising was being used to pay my costs and so little was making it to the front line,' Paul explains. 'I decided I'd fund 'my own mid-life crisis' and run an event with all funds raised going to the beneficiary. Thankfully, it seems to be working.'
A participant in the 2024 Tour de Munster.
Timing is everything, and a quarter century ago cycling was about to become a bigger sport, with recreational cycling becoming more common on highways and byways.
'In my younger days, cycling was quite an intense sport — you're were in it fully or not at all. This was before the so called 'mamils' came along — the middle aged men in lycra,' he smiles.
'They looked the part, but perhaps not going as fast as the competitive cyclists. For myself, it was a sport I fell into and fell in love with. I had been involved in sport of various kinds before cycling, but had never found anything with so much craic and camaraderie.
Being part of a the team effort and being able to do good for somebody else was a driver — but all the time doing an activity we loved.
A vital spoke in the Tour de Munster wheel has been the involvement of Irish cycling legend Seán Kelly — a leadership and presence that has inspired countless participants over the years.
'Having Seán with us on the road is a constant reminder of what's possible when we come together for a good cause,' he says.
'Of course, he brings a gravitas to the event, to say nothing of the sheer treat it is to be able to say you cycled with Seán Kelly. As the second greatest cyclist still alive, it is surely the stuff of cyclists' dreams to be able to tell their grandkids they cycled with such a legend.'
Seán Kelly has participated since 2006, and completed all editions since 2008.
Olympic rower Gary O'Donovan and cycling legend Seán Kelly lead cyclists down Grand Parade at the start of the 2023 Tour De Munster. Picture: Don MacMonagle
Olympian Gary O'Donovan participated in 2023 and said it was the best thing he'd ever done. 'I guess that's quite an endorsement, but the number of people who come back year after year is perhaps even more enlightening.'
Invariably, the return rate is around 90%, with most participants agreeing this may well be the best thing they can do on a bike annually. 'There's no pressure on anyone to return — the tour and cycling are something we do when life doesn't get in the way. But they're also life-enhancing and invariably worth making time for.'
While the Tour de Munster is a well-oiled machine that continues to yield the clear benefits of joyful camaraderie for its participants, the added yield of serious annual funding for a very worthy cause places it on a pedestal where everyone is a winner.
'Tour de Munster has become something really special, it's more than a fundraiser, it's a community effort that lifts everyone involved,' says Gerard O'Carroll, Down Syndrome Ireland president.
The support we've received over the years has made a real difference to families across Munster. Since becoming the main beneficiary back in 2010, we've seen how powerful this partnership can be. We're proud to be part of it, and so thankful to everyone who partakes in the tour each year.
For Paul Sheridan, people with Down Syndrome do not get nearly enough from the State, and without the support of Down Syndrome Ireland, many would have a very poor quality of life.
'Through the Tour de Munster, we hope to raise both awareness and funds which will help improve the lives of people with DS and their families for many years to come. It's a privilege and a pleasure to do the bit I do and I'm very grateful to all Tour de Munster participants and supporters.
Ultimately, I believe we the participants are the biggest beneficiaries of the event. We experience something amazing and create wonderful memories. That others can benefit from something which gives us such joy is truly remarkable.'
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