Gallery & Race Report: 2026 Triathlon National Aquathlon Championships
Moran and Murphy claim national titles. Read race report and view gallery from the 2026 Triathlon National Aquathlon Championships in Athlone.
Michael Moran & Niamh Murphy Crowned 2026 National Aquathlon Champions in Athlone
On Sunday 2nd August, the National Aquathlon Championships returned to the heart of Athlone for the second successive year as part of the Athlone River Festival.
Hosted by Athlone Triathlon Club, over 170 athletes from 24 clubs across the country descended on Athlone to contest national titles over a 750m swim in the River Shannon followed by a fast three-lap run through the town centre, culminating in a fantastic finish on the Mary O’Rourke Pedestrian Bridge against the backdrop of Athlone Castle.
The national champs attracted athletes ranging from first-time racers to experienced Tri-Team Ireland age group athletes fresh from the Europe Triathlon Multisport Championships in Banyoles, Spain and Triathlon Ireland’s High Performance Athletes.
Open Race
Midland Triathlon Club’s Michael Moran produced a dominant performance to claim the 2026 Open National Aquathlon Championship in a winning time of 29:32. Moran led from the swim and maintained his advantage throughout the run to secure the national title.
Last year’s National Aquathlon Champion Ross Killalea (Midland TC) once again demonstrated his consistency with another outstanding championship performance, finishing second in 29:49 to add a national silver medal to last year’s gold.
The battle for bronze went to Jude Williams (North West Triathlon Club). Williams, a Triathlon Ireland High Performance Pathway athlete who recently competed in the Europe Triathlon Junior Aquathlon Championships, delivered a composed race to complete the podium in 30:27.
Just outside the medals was National Triathlon Centre (UL) athlete Sean McMahon (Piranha TC), finishing fourth ahead of Cian Murray, while the host club Joshua Schnell impressed on home roads to finish sixth overall.
Open Podium
1.Michael Moran (Midland TC) – 29:32
2. Ross Killalea (Midland TC) – 29:49
3. Jude Williams (North West Triathlon Club) – 30:27
Female Race
The women’s race showcased some of Ireland’s strongest female talent, with Niamh Murphy (Wexford TC) producing an exceptional all-round performance to take the national title in 33:03.
Murphy arrived in Athlone in outstanding form after securing European Aquathlon Gold (30–34 Age Group) at the Europe Triathlon Multisport Championships in Banyoles, and she carried that momentum into Athlone.
National Triathlon Centre (UL) athlete Eve Burns claimed silver in 35:19, continuing an impressive breakthrough season that recently saw her make her international debut for Team Ireland at the Europe Triathlon Junior Cup in Holten, Netherlands.
Completing the podium was Naoise O’Donnell (Galway Triathlon Club), who added another national championship medal to an exceptional season following her podium finish at the 2026 Europe Triathlon Middle Distance Championships in Banyoles.
Galway Triathlon Club’s Laura Daly finished fourth, with Cork Triathlon Club’s Ciara Greene rounding out the top five.
Female Podium
1.Niamh Murphy (Wexford TC) – 33:03
2.Eve Burns – 35:19
3.Naoise O’Donnell (Galway Triathlon Club) – 36:49
Championship effort from Athlone Triathlon Club
The National Aquathlon Championships are a highlight of the 2026 Athlone River Festival, bringing elite athletes, club competitors, newcomers and supporters together in the heart of the town.
Athlone Triathlon Club also celebrated having more than 50 members racing on the day many returning only weeks after representing Ireland at the Europe Triathlon Multisport Championships in Banyoles.
Save the Date
The 2026 Triathlon Ireland Awards take place in Dublin on Saturday 7th November 2026 with all National Champions recognised on the night!
More details to follow as we celebrate another fantastic year in sport.
Gallery from InPho
Enjoy a selection of images from the day from INPHO Photographer James Crombie. Feel free to download and share on your socials – and don’t forget to tag us @triathlonireland
