Tour de Tirlán 2025 took to the roads to raise €85,000
More than 90 employees and farmers from Tirlán, Ireland’s leading dairy and grain co-operative, took to the roads for the 12th annual Tour de Tirlán charity cycle — a flagship event that has raised over €476,000 for local and national charities since its inception.
This year’s event, which took place on Friday, 5th September, is on track to raise €85,000 in support of three charities:
- Tirlán’s charity partner, Aware, providing vital mental health services and support across Ireland
- Fr. McGrath Centre Kilkenny, empowering communities through education, childcare training and youth leadership
- Amber Women’s Refuge, offering safe spaces and counselling for women and children impacted by domestic abuse
Cyclists departed from Tirlán’s Collaboration Centre in Abbey Quarter, Kilkenny, choosing from four route options — 185km, 140km, 100km and a welcoming 45km eBike-friendly ride — ensuring inclusivity for all levels of experience.
Jim O’Neill, Tirlán’s Chief Operating and Consumer Officer, who leads the team that organises the cycle fundraiser, said it was wonderful to see so many colleagues and farmer suppliers turn out to support the 12th cycle fundraiser. “We are immersed in our communities and it is great to have the opportunity to give back. Over the years we have supported more than a dozen charities who have made a difference.”
As the cycle got underway, Drew Flood, Business Development Manager, Aware, said: “Tirlán’s partnership with Aware is fantastic. It enables us to provide acute support through counselling, a 365-day-a-year helpline, and education programmes across every corner of Ireland. This collaboration helps us reinforce the message that it’s okay not to be okay — and that support is always available.”
Stephen Murphy, Director of Services, Father McGrath Centre, Kilkenny, added: “We’re incredibly grateful to Tour de Tirlán for helping us raise these vital funds. As a small local charity, this support means so much. The investment is going directly into programmes for young people in the Butts area of Kilkenny — it’s a generational investment, and given our longstanding connection with Tirlán, it feels especially fitting.”
Naoimh Murphy, Communication and Training Officer, Amber Women’s Refuge, said: “Thanks to the support from Tour de Tirlán, we’ve been able to begin construction on a brand-new playground at Amber Women’s Refuge in Kilkenny. Because of this year’s fundraising pledge, we’ve already ordered the equipment and hope to have the playground in place before the end of the year.
“Last year alone, we supported 60 women and their children through refuge services — so to everyone who took part in the cycle, thank you. Your efforts are making a real difference.”
Tirlán is calling on everyone to support the cyclists and the charities that continue to make a meaningful difference in communities across Ireland.
Donate here: https://www.idonate.ie/event/TourdeTirlan2025
