Tipperary RNLI receives €24,000 donation following Lap the Lake fundraising cycle

Lough Derg RNLI members Laura Clarke, Hilda Hamilton, Veronica Plunkett, and Niamh Mc Cutcheon. Fundraisers absent from the photo are Ena Butler, Jonathan Horgan and Joe Hughes

placeholder image — Lough Derg RNLI members Laura Clarke, Hilda Hamilton, Veronica Plunkett, and Niamh Mc Cutcheon. Fundraisers absent from the photo are Ena Butler, Jonathan Horgan and Joe Hughes

Following the success of the inaugural Lap the Lake cycle to raise funds for the RNLI’s local lifeboat station on Lough Derg, this year Lough Derg RNLI’s fundraising committee raised €24,000 with the popular charity cycle held in May.

Some 304 cyclists took part in the event, a significant increase in numbers from last year with the new option to either complete a 120km route or a shorter 65km course.

Niamh McCutcheon, chair of the Lough Derg RNLI Fundraising Committee and the Lap the Lake Event Committee, said: "We would like to thank the cycling committee: Ena Butler, Veronica Plunkett, Hilda Hamilton, Laura Clarke, Jonathan Horgan, Joe Hughes, John Mac Mahon and Mike Molampy."

Christine O’Malley, lifeboat operations manager at Lough Derg RNLI said: "Lap the lake was a fabulous event meticulously organised by the fundraising team. Hundreds of cyclists enjoyed the beauty of Lough Derg while raising essential funds for the RNLI, a charity that saves lives on the water and works to prevent drowning."

Laura Clarke, Lough Derg RNLI Fundraising Committee said: "There was tremendous anticipation and excitement leading up to the event, which could not have taken place without the support of the vast numbers of volunteers and of course the 304 cyclists and sponsors."