Dust down your lycra and dig out your helmets. It’s time to sign up for the Fórsa conference cycle again, and help raise much-needed funds for charity.

Conference delegates and their supporters will cycle some or all of the route between Limerick and the Fórsa national conference in Killarney next month.

Departing at 8.30am from the South Court Hotel in Limerick on the morning of 18th May, the peloton will arrive in Killarney in time for registration. A van has been arranged to transport bikes from Dublin to Limerick, and back to Dublin again if needed.

The initiative which has been running since 2008 has raised over €230,000 to date.

Organised by Fórsa’s head of health Éamonn Donnelly and head of local government Dessie Robinson, he cycle raises much needed funds for small charities based in communities throughout the country.

Reassuringly, you don’t need to be a professional to take part. “There is still plenty of time to register for the cycle – you can do a little or a lot – just take part, you will enjoy the craic on the way to Killarney,” explained Dessie.

Dessie says it’s a fun event. “It’s about having a great time while raising money for smaller local charities that don’t have large budgets to back the important work they do. In the past we’ve helped organisations supporting mental health, suicide prevention, and cancer support,” he said.

Éamonn appealed for branches to get behind members representing them, and help them to raise money and prepare for the event itself. “We fully understand that there have been huge demands on branches to contribute to charities this year, but we would ask you to make a donation, however small it may be and remember, if your branch makes a donation, they can nominate a local or a national charity,” he said.

For more information, or to get involved, contact Linda Casey.