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Fort 2 Fort Charity Cycle Sportive 2019 set for Sunday, April 14th

This year’s Fort 2 Fort Charity Cycle Sportive is set to take place on Sunday, April 14th, with
the popular cycle raising funds for the Mercy University Hospital Foundation, four Cork City
and County Lions Clubs, and Camden Fort Meagher Restoration Committee.

As a new addition to the three prevailing routes around Cork Harbour, this year’s Fort 2 Fort
Cycle Sportive includes a new, shorter route to entice new cycling enthusiasts to get involved
in a “Couch to 40km” challenge. The outbound route departs from Camden Fort Meagher,
Crosshaven, and reaches Monkstown in approximately 55 minutes. The inbound route takes a
little longer at just over an hour on return to Camden Fort Meagher. This route has a low lying
terrain so is suitable for beginners, however training for any sporting event is always advised.
Commenting at the launch of the 2019 Fort 2 Fort Cycle, Jim O’Connor, Chairman of this
year’s Fort 2 Fort said, “We are really looking forward to welcoming back the enthusiastic cy-
clists who have supported the Fort 2 Fort year on year, as well as the new faces who will join
us for this fantastic event. Without the cyclists continued support, the Fort 2 Fort’s wouldn’t
be the success that it is today. We have a great variety of routes to choose from, and we en-
courage riders of all levels, abilities, and ambitions to join us for this enjoyable day.”

With now four routes to choose from, refreshments along the way, and incredible views of
Cork Harbour, the 2019 Fort 2 Fort Charity Cycle is an event not to be missed! The 40km,
60km, 85km or 120km routes will all start and finish in Camden Fort Meagher, Crosshaven.
Speaking on behalf of the Mercy Hospital Foundation, CEO Micheál Sheridan said, “Here
at The Mercy University Hospital, the People’s Hospital, our mission is to inspire people to
support advancements in research, diagnosis, treatments to enable us to provide a world
class hospital, right on your doorstep. Without the amazing support of so many people, this
advancement would not be possible. “

Micheál continued, “This year is the year of encouragement, the Fort 2 Fort cycle has always
welcomed participants of all levels and abilities, but the addition of this new route further
strengthens our commitment to helping get Cork active.”
Registration is now available online at www.mercyfundraising.ie or call (021) 4274076. For
anyone interested in participating, early bird registration is just €39 until March 1st. Registra-
tion is €45 for those who sign up online before 12 noon on April 12th, or at the Radisson Blu
Hotel, Little Island on Saturday, April 13th from 5pm to 8pm. For those who register on the
day itself, from 8am to 9.30am in Crosshaven GAA Club, it is €50.

Fort 2 Fort, now in its 8th year, has firmly established itself in the calendar of Cork’s cy-
cling enthusiasts of all abilities, offering a choice of distances. In 2018 the Fort 2 Fort cycle
raised nearly €20,000; and since its inception, over 3,000 cyclists have participated, raising
€150,000 for the local beneficiaries. Thanks to the generous support of main sponsor Ulster
Bank, as well as Cork County Council, Raddison Blu and many other valued sponsors. All
funds raised go directly to the Mercy Cancer CARE Centre, four Cork City and County Lions
Clubs, and Camden Fort Meagher Restoration Fund.
Declan Daly, Relationship Director, SME Banking South West, Ulster Bank, who have spon-
sored the cycle since its inception “We are delighted to once again support the worthy causes
that the Fort 2 Fort Charity Cycle raises funds for. It is an exciting and energetic way to raise
important funds for key Cork charities. Many of our own Ulster Bank staff members who take
part in the cycle annually, see it as a real highlight of their year and I hope as many people as
possible can join them on April 14th.” For further information go to www.mercyfundraising.ie
or visit the new website www.fort2fort.ie, or keep an eye on the Fort2Fort Facebook Page or
the Mercy Hospital Foundation Facebook and Twitter pages for the latest Fort 2 Fort updates.