Racing at Metalman & Sheephaven

The first middle distance triathlons of the 2022 Triathlon National Series took place today, and weather conditions certainly played a part in both!

Find Your Next Race

Before we get into how today’s action unfolded, see below to find your next race!

We are only nine rounds into this year’s Triathlon National Series, there’s still a massive 18 to go! Races are open for entries, and ready to welcome you to the most scenic parts of Ireland…

Sheridan & Perry Win at Sheephaven Half

Changeable weather conditions were a feature of today’s Sheephaven Half in the incredibly scenic Downings, Co. Donegal. These conditions meant that a shortened 900 metre, one lap, swim course replaced the planned, two lap, 1900 metre distance.

Organisers Letterkenny 247 always provide a warm welcome to their race, and lots of their members take part as well as huge numbers of volunteers. Windy, wet and cold conditions did nothing to dampen the spirits of the club and volunteers, with lots of smiles and fun had on course!

Perry Wins Sheephaven for the First Time

Second in the women’s race after the swim to Lisburn TC’s Emily Sands, Helen Perry got to work on the bike to move to the front early on, and there she stayed. Going one better than last year’s second place, today Perry won this race for the first time. Best of luck to Helen at IRONMAN Switzerland in two weeks time!

Olympian TC’s Kerry McGrillen was second after the swim and battled hard all day to hold that spot, doing so with plenty to spare.

The third spot on the podium changed hands on the run, from Letterkenny’s Harriet Henderson to her clubmate Fin Begley. Begley overtook in the closing stages of the first lap and ran strong in the second lap to open the gap and secure her podium spot in her home race.

Sheridan Makes his Mark

Leading from the off on his return to racing, David Sheridan enjoyed his race today;

“It was a very, very tough race. My first race in nearly two years and what a race to come back in!”

In his home race, Letterkenny’s Aidan Callaghan was chasing David Sheridan from the start. Sheridan’s lead grew from just 14 seconds to four and a half minutes after the bike. While Aidan did manage to half this deficit, he ran out of road to take the second spot on today’s Triathlon National Series podium.

Owen Martin was over six minutes down and need to make up 25 places to make it to the podium after the swim. He put in the stellar bike and run performance he needed to make his way through the field, and finish third today. Notably Owen ran one of the quickest half marathon splits of the day for 1:21:56, bettered only by eventual fourth placed Peter O’Donnell in a blistering 1:18:34!

Results and Media

Full results available from Core Timing.

We have lots of coverage and interviews from today’s event on our Instagram.

Bike – Run Action from Metalman

The Triathlon National Series visited Waterford for the second time in recent weeks, and for the second time windy conditions made for some tough (yet sunny!) racing. This year’s popular event was run as a bike (90km) and run (19km), with the decision being taken to cancel the swim on safety grounds due to the weather conditions.

Bagnall On Form

Enda Bagnall is on his way to IRONMAN Cork, and showed that he is in form today with a TT style win in the men’s race on the undulating, windy route.

Due to the rolling start, athletes were racing the clock today and although Bagnall entered and exited T1 first on the road, three riders had biked faster. Eventual second and third place Stephen Donnelly and Paul Ogle, as well as Alan Connolly, all completed the 90 kilometres with quicker times.

Enda Bagnall covered the 19km course with a 1:09:16 run to secure the win and top up his Triathlon National Series points.

Wateford’s Kinsella Wins at Home

Following a recent fourth place in a strong field at TriAthy’s Standard Distance race, Aine Kinsella fully announced her arrival at this year’s Triathlon National Series with a convincing win today. Not to be caught on either the bike or the run, Kinsella was fastest across both to finish in 3:58:45.

In second and third, Shauna Doellken O’Shea and Ellen Murphy completed in 4:03:23 and 4:11:32. Both athletes have had strong results so far in this year’s series, and held position from start to finish to score some more valuable points today.

Results and Photos

Full results available from Sports Splits Timing.

We have lots of coverage and interviews from today’s event on our Instagram. Check back for our gallery of images from Metalman, we’ll have them in a gallery shortly.