Bank of Ireland UK Teams Up With Lap the Lough for Northern Ireland’s biggest cycle event

Oxford Island, 04/03/2015: Bank of Ireland UK today announced it would be the 2015 lead sponsor of Northern Ireland’s largest cycling event, Lap the Lough. The Bank’s sponsorship will help fund the organisation of the popular Lough Neagh event which will see thousands of people cycle around the largest lake in Britain and Ireland.

Since it began in 2006, Lap the Lough has grown from strength to strength with last year’s event attracting 2,000 entrants, including international participants. The event, which will take place on Sunday 30^th August, will see individuals and teams cycle 140km around Lough Neagh.

Eugene Hamill, Event Organiser from the not-for-profit Upbeat Agency, said: “We are delighted to have the support of the Bank of Ireland UK. Lap the Lough is a fun, community event which aims to promote cycling, participation and fundraising. Cycling has exploded in popularity in Northern Ireland over the past few years and the Bank’s sponsorship means that Lap the Lough can continue to attract thousands of participants to enjoy a fitness challenge and raise money for good causes.”

Duncan Bednall, Regional Director, Bank of Ireland UK said: “We are committed to supporting people and communities across Northern Ireland and we welcome the chance to get behind such a fantastic sporting event as Lap the Lough. This is a way for people to enjoy a fun day out with friends or colleagues while challenging themselves physically, and doing good in the process.”

As part of this sponsorship and aligned to their internal Be At Your Best programme, Bank of Ireland UK are encouraging as many of their own employees to register for the cycle and to raise funds for one of Bank of Ireland UK’s charity partners, Barnardo’s and Co-operation Ireland, or a charity of their own choice.

Registration is now open for Lap the Lough, the entrance fee is £30 during March and April, rising to £35 in May and June. To find out more and to register, visit www.lapthelough.org.

ENDS

For further information about Lap the Lough visit www.lapthelough.org.

For media enquiries contact:

John Paice, UK Communications Manager, Group Communications

Bank of Ireland, Tel: +44 (0)117 3632410/M: +44 (0)773 9332399

Catherine Agnew, Smarts Communicate, Tel: 02890 395500/ mobile 07779101360