A large crowd representing all sectors of the community were in attendance at the launch of the An Post Yeats Tour of Sligo 2016 which took place at City Hall on Saturday 13th February last. In raising awareness of the event over 40 cyclists representing the many cycling clubs and community groups across the county cycled from Doorly Park through Sligo Town to arrive at City Hall for the launch. Cathaoirleach Cllr Rosaleen O’ Grady in welcoming all associated with the event to the launch remarked “I think the key to enduring success of the cycle is that it accommodates people of all ages and levels of fitness, from the committed enthusiast to the casual cyclist”. Cllr O Grady added “For visitors in particular it is a chance to get a brief snapshot of our wonderful county, and I think that might explain why so many people come back year after year to this very special event”.

The event which is sponsored nationally by An Post and Sport Ireland is now in its eight year and over 2,000 cyclists are expected to participate. A Family Fun Day will take place on Saturday 30th April which will include the 10km Spin for All, and 2km Bike Trail while on Sunday 1st May the more experienced cyclists will have three events to choose from including a 60km, 100km and 160km route.

Speaking at the launch Ciaran Hayes Chief Executive of Sligo County Council acknowledged the importance of the event in promoting Sligo while he committed to ongoing support from the Local Authority. Also present at the launch was Mayor Cllr Thomas Healy who stated,‘The annual An Post Cycle Tour is one that has captured the public interest, and this is reflected in the increasing numbers registering to take part. It is an event where everyone is welcome, a great opportunity for a family to take a leisurely and enjoy the wonderful scenery along the way”.

The nominated charity for the event is Acquired Brain Injury Ireland and their local manager Teresa O’ Boyle welcomed the opportunity to be associated with the event, stating that all sponsorship received will go towards sustaining services in the Sligo region.

Event Co-ordinator Deirdre Lavin SSRP acknowledged the support of all organisations present at the launch including national sponsors An Post and Sport Ireland and also the involvement locally of O’Hehirs Bakery and Super Valu. With just over two months to go she encouraged all intending participants to get training. She announced that registration for the event had opened with people having the option to either enter on line or through postal application.

See our Facebook page for photos from the day https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.860597480715955.1073741895.185652281543815&type=3

Full details of the event and regular updates will be available on this website  or at 071 9161511.