Thousands Race as TriAthy Returns
Triathlon returned to one the most popular locations in the country over the weekend as racing resumed at TriAthy for the first time since 2019.
A massive 3,500 participants registered for two days of swim-bike-run across four separate distances in the biggest triathlon held in Ireland in a number of years.
We run down through the podium athletes from all races in TriAthy below, but if it’s pics you’re after, we’ve got three separate galleries containing literally hundreds of great images from the races.
Check back later to see the Galleries from Day 2
Double Olympic
The early risers in the first event of the weekend were rewarded with perfect conditions on the river and lovely sunshine as they tackled the Double Olympic distance. Michael McCarron and Rachel Hawker claimed the top spots after more than four hours of racing. Donal Sheehy and Rosie Conway finished in 2nd places; with and Enda Bagnall and Tricia Strelioff taking 3rd place in the men’s and women’s races respectively.
Results (Provisional) from the Double Olympic Race
Olympic Distance – Triathlon National Series Round 2
Kieran Jackson and Shannon Kelly won the main event of the weekend, the Triathlon National Series race, run over Olympic distance.
Jackson went in to the men’s race as the clear favourite and justified the tag as he pulled away from the very start of the swim to win in 01:58:29. Ciaran Madden claimed silver on 01:58:29, ahead of bronze medalist who crossed the line with a time of 02:04:07.
In the women’s race, the 2021 National Series winner, Shannon Kelly got her 2022 edition off to a strong start with a victory that was laid down in the swim. She maintained her lead throughout the race to finish in 02:12:58. Kim Hickey finished second in 02:16:27, with reigning Duathlon National Champ Ciara Wilson third in 02:17:44.
Results (provisional) from the Olympic Distance Race
Try-A-Tri
Sunday morning saw rain make its entrance but it failed to dampen the spirits as more than 1,000 athletes lined out for the Try-a-Tri and Sprint distance races.
Among the participants was Irish rugby legend Brian O’Driscoll, who was taking part in a relay with his Off The Ball team.
O’Driscoll took on the 20km bike and told us afterwards that he learned about pacing during the race. BOD also praised the diversity of triathlon.
Needless to say, BO’D and his team were just there for fun which they certainly had.
The leaderboard in the Try-a-Tri was topped by Eoin Bailey and Geraldine Hendriken. Michal Kowalski and Tara O’Leary finished second, while Paddy Rath and Angela Stakelum claimed third place.
Results (provisional) from the Try-a-Tri race
Sprint Distance
The last race of the weekend was fiercely contested with a mix of newcomers and seasoned club athletes lining out in the sprint distance event.
John Jackson won the men’s race with Barry Nolan in 2nd and Tim O’Mahony finishing 3rd about a minute further back.
Shauna Doellken powered her way to victory in the women’s race ahead of Jennifer O’Sullivan in 2nd and Sinead O’Reilly in 3rd.
