Lough Ree RNLI held a press launch on Saturday to announce their upcoming Lap of Lough Ree charity cycle, which will take place on Sunday, March 6.
The cycle will start at The Bounty, Buccaneers Rugby Club, Athlone, and will travel north through Ballymahon, continuing across the Shannon at Lanesboro Bridge and completing the 85 kilometre Lap of Lough Ree by travelling south on the Roscommon side, via Kilteevan, before crossing at Athlone Bridge and finishing where it began at The Bounty.
Lough Ree RNLI relies entirely on public donations to fund its operation and the Lap of Lough Ree is an important fundraising event for the charity organisation. Lough Ree Lifeboat Station was the busiest station in Ireland in 2014 and rescued the highest number of people in 2015, so maintaining a high standard of service in the area is vital.
Brendan Finnegan, Lough Ree RNLI Fundraising Committee chairman, said: “We run a variety of events throughout the year to raise funds and we are privileged to have a huge level of support in the community. The cycle has proved very popular since we first organised it two years ago and it is a pleasure to run events that participants can get actively involved in. We are hoping for a big turnout again this year.”
Registration for the event will take place at 9am Sunday, March 6, at The Bounty, with the cycle starting at 10am. Snack packs will be provided to all entrants; refreshments will be provided midway, at Lanesboro, and also at The Bounty afterwards on return. The main cycle route is approximately 85 kilometres long.
Subject to numbers interested, an extended route may be arranged for cyclists who enjoy a more challenging ride. Entry fee costs €25 on the day. Early entry is available at a cost of €20 via the Lough Ree RNLI Facebook page.
