Lough Ree RNLI launch 2019 Lap of Lough Ree to raise funds for the RNLI

The annual 85km cycle which will raise funds for the lifesaving service in Athlone, will go anti-clockwise around Lough Ree starting and finishing at The Bounty, Buccaneers Rugby Club, Athlone, with a pit-stop in Lanesborough at the north of Lough Ree.

Speaking at the launch of the Lap of Lough Ree, Sarah Bradbury, Lough Ree RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer, said: ‘We are delighted with the support that the cycle has received each year and that it’s becoming a favourite in the cycling calendar. This is a relatively relaxed route for cyclists to ease themselves back into the saddle while taking in the stunning views of Lough Ree.

‘Those who participate in the cycle do so knowing they are raising vital funds for Lough Ree RNLI and we would like to thank them in advance for that. Funds raised will maintain and equip our inshore lifeboat and will allow our volunteer crew to continue to train and develop their lifesaving skills so when the need arises they can help those who get into difficulty on the lake.’

Registration for the event will start at 9am on the 28 April in The Bounty. Entry fee is €20.

Further information on the cycle and updates can be found on www.facebook.com/loughreernli or by emailing [email protected]

Notes to editors

· Photo of Lough Ree RNLI’s Lifeboat Volunteers at Cycle Launch with Lifeboat The Eric Rowse. Left to Right: Liam Sherrigham, Shane McCormack, Franco Magliocco, Lifeboat Operations Manager – Tony McCarth, Eamonn Flynn, Donie Herraghty and Ciarn Harte

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Sarah Bradbury, Lough Ree RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 087 121 0658 or [email protected] or Nuala McAloon, Regional Media Officer on 0876483547 or [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson, Regional Media Manager on 0871254124 or [email protected]

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.