RNLI Charity Cycle ‘Lap of the Lake’ - Lough Derg RNLI fundraiser, 11 May 2024

2024 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.

On the 2024 Lap 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, giving entrants the chance to cycle through three counties, Tipperary, Clare and Galway.

The shorter route will take cyclists to just beyond Killaloe, to a turnaround point at Killaloe Sailing Club where cyclists may get a comfort stop and refreshments. Whichever route participants chose, they will have the opportunity to delight in the outstanding beauty of the lake and the River Shannon.

Riders' safety and well-being is a priority, with First Aid providers, out-riders, marshals, and bike maintenance stops along the route, as well as comfort and refreshments stations.

The RNLI is a search and rescue charity, reliant on the support of the public to continue its lifesaving work. Fundraising events such as the Lap the Lake RNLI Lough Derg Charity Cycle 2024 enable the charity to provide the best safety kit and training for volunteer crews, and to build and develop lifeboats’ capabilities and to deliver its international drowning prevention programmes.

Laura Clarke, Chair of the Lough Derg RNLI ‘Lap the Lake’ Event Committee said, ‘we were thrilled with the success of the previous two year’s Lap of the Lake cycle. We were blessed with fine weather so that cyclists were able to enjoy the most breath taking scenery around the lake. 2024 is a particularly special year for the RNLI as the charity marks 200 years of lifesaving work. This event, now open for registration, is about raising funds for our local lifeboat on Lough Derg, which celebrates 20 years of service.'

Commenting on plans for the forthcoming cycle Niamh McCutcheon, Chair of Lough Derg RNLI Fundraising Committee said, ‘A huge amount of work goes on behind the scenes into organising these events. We look forward to welcoming back cyclists from previous years and look forward to meeting new participants this year. We hope that people will once again support our lifeboat station and our brave volunteers.’

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 in the RNLI Lough Derg Charity Cycle Lap the Lake on Saturday 11 May 2024 are available here at the cycle’s Eventbrite page https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/rnli-lough-derg-charity-cycle-2024-lap-the-lake-tickets-763436498117. Tickets are €65 for the 120km route and €50 for the 65km route.

Ends

RNLI media contacts
For more information, please contact Eleanor Hooker, Lough Derg RNLI volunteer helm and Lifeboat Press Officer on 0877535207, email [email protected] or Nuala McAloon, RNLI Regional Media Officer on 087 648 3547 or email [email protected] or Niamh Stephenson, RNLI Regional Media Manager on 087 1254 124 or [email protected]

RNLI online

For more information on the RNLI please visit rnli.org. News releases and other media resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are available at the RNLI News Centre rnli.org/news-and-media.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around Ireland and the UK. The RNLI operates 46 lifeboat stations in Ireland. The RNLI is independent of government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service.

Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, the charity has saved over 142,200 lives.

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 142,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter 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.