The Tour de Munster charity cycle has announced that last year’s 25th-anniversary event raised over €543,000 for Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI).

The final total was officially revealed just before Christmas during a cheque presentation ceremony attended by cycling legend and long-time supporter Sean Kelly.

While the main sum benefits DSI, the inclusion of other individual charity choices by cyclists brought the overall event total to more than €575,000 for 2025.

The four-day, 600km cycle passed through Killarney last August as part of its route across the six counties of Munster.

Since its inception in 2001, the Tour has now raised a total of €5.5 million for Munster branches of Down Syndrome Ireland.

John O’Connor of Down Syndrome Kerry said: “Each stop on the route is an occasion of great joy and gives us all a great lift, the support from the cyclists and the public is invaluable, enabling us to provide crucial services for our members in the Kerry branch.”

Each participant covers their own expenses, ensuring that all funds raised go directly to the charity.

The money supports essential services and facilities for individuals with Down syndrome and their families throughout the region.

Tributes have been paid across Killarney following the death of Toni Fleming of Ardshanavooley and formerly of Dalton’s Avenue, who passed away peacefully on Christmas Day in the care of the Palliative Care Unit at University Hospital Kerry.

A lifelong and hugely respected member of Killarney Athletic A.F.C., Toni was regarded as one of the driving forces behind the club for more than five decades.

He joined Killarney Athletic in 1971, played for many years and was affectionately known as ‘Tappy No. ‘ for his goal scoring ability.

He later served as chairman on two occasions and remained deeply involved with the club right up to recent times, often arriving early each morning to carry out whatever tasks needed to be done.

Killarney Athletic A.F.C. said Toni was “a true gent and a wonderful clubman” who would be greatly missed.

The club formed a guard of honour outside St Mary’s Cathedral following his Requiem Mass on Saturday morning, with members wearing club colours as a mark of respect.

Toni was also widely known in the town for his community involvement.

At Jimmy Brien’s Bar he was remembered as a regular and a great character who played a major role in organising charity initiatives, including the cancer bus bottle drive which raised thousands of euro over the years.

Kerry Football Club also expressed its sympathy, noting that Toni was the father of long-time volunteer Lorraine and brother in law of matchday operations manager Gerardine Nagle.

Toni is survived by his wife Phil, son Stephen, daughters Lorraine and Amanda, his grandson Ethan, great grandchildren Maddison and Theo, brothers, sister and extended family.
He was laid to rest following his Requiem Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral.