Details of the 5^th Annual Rib Run from Kinsale to Milford Haven have been announced at a Press Reception held in the Trident Hotel, Kinsale on the 29th of February.

On April 24^th next, up to 80 crew and 20 Ribs (Rigid Inflatable Boats) will attempt to cross from Kinsale to Neyland marina near Milford Haven in a sponsored endurance passage of 300nm to raise funds for the Royal National lifeboat Institution’s, "Train one, Save many" campaign.

Over the last 4 years the Rib Run has raised over €220.000 for the Lifeboats and the South Coast trawler Tragedy appeal, with last year bringing in a massive €95.000.

Chairman Ashley Smyth, from Bandon, said "He hoped that the public who have given so generously to us and the Lifeboats over the last 4 years will be as generous as ever in supporting the Crews that enter this years arduous event." He went on to say that all crews pay their own expenses ensuring that every cent raised goes to the charity.

"Last year, when the Rib Run went to Aberystwyth, some crews were at sea for 15 hours in rough conditions arriving after midnight."

He went on to thank the Supporters without whom the Rib run could not take place, in particular Excalibur Ribs of Carrigaline for their continued technical help before and during the event, The Trident Hotel, Castlepark Marina, Bob Bateman, Bandon Office Supplies and the Helicopter Pilots & Owners who give their aircraft freely.

Anne Sweeney, area organiser for the RNLI, thanked the group for once again choosing the Lifeboats as their chosen charity and went on to say "Most lifeboat men and women no longer come from the traditional fishing backgrounds of old, but are now drawn from a wide cross section of professions and trades. It is therefore extremely important that the RNLI train the volunteer crews to the highest standards for the safety of themselves and the people being rescued"

At 8am on the 24^th April, the Ribs leave Kinsale. It promises to be quite a spectacle for those watching from shore as they are led out of the harbour by the Kinsale Lifeboat.

Further details can be obtained at www.kinsaleribrun.org and sponsorship card from Ashley Smyth 087 2751862, Jon Mathers 086 2588714 or any committee member.

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