Tipperary RNLI station launches its annual Lap the Lake fundraising charity cycle event

Cyclists taking part in last year's Lap the Lake take time out for a selfie at The Lookout near Portroe Picture: Michael Molamphy

placeholder image — Cyclists taking part in last year's Lap the Lake take time out for a selfie at The Lookout near Portroe Picture: Michael Molamphy

Following the success of the Lap the Lake RNLI charity cycles in 2022 and 2023, the Lough Derg RNLI Fundraising committee is inviting participants to take part again this year.

The cycle will take place Saturday, May 11. Cyclists who took part in the previous two years raised significant funds for the RNLI’s local lifeboat station, operated by volunteers on Lough Derg.

This year is a special year of commemoration for the RNLI as the charity celebrates its bicentenary, and Lough Derg RNLI marks 20 years of lifeboat service on the lake. Cyclists may again choose between a 120km route or a shorter 65km one.

The longer route will take participants on a full circuit of Lough Derg. The shorter route will take cyclists to Twomilegate lakeside amenity park before returning to Dromineer.

The cycle will have first aid providers, out-riders, marshals, and bike maintenance stops, as well as comfort and refreshments stations.

Laura Clarke, Chair of the Lough Derg RNLI Lap the Lake committee said: “We were thrilled with the success of the previous two year’s Lap of the Lake cycle. This event, now open for registration, is about raising funds for our local lifeboat on Lough Derg, which celebrates 20 years of service.”

Niamh McCutcheon, Chair of Lough Derg RNLI fundraising committee said: “We look forward to welcoming back cyclists from previous years and look forward to meeting new participants.”

Lough Derg RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager Christine O’Malley added: “Once again, it is wonderful to be able to offer people an event where they can have fun while raising funds. The men and women who volunteer for the RNLI give up their time to train and be ready for any callout on the water at any hour. The funds raised through this cycle ensure we can continue to save lives on Lough Derg now and in the future.”

Details on how to register to take part are available at www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/rnli-lough-derg-charity-cycle-2024-lap-the-lake-tickets-763436498117.

Entry is €65 for the 120km route and €50 for the 65km route.