Action packed weekend

On Sunday 18th, our friends at South Coast Tri Club hosted the Moby Dick Sprint Triathlon in Youghal and as always, Blackwater Triathlon Club was strongly represented with 10 club members taking part. The conditions could not have been more perfect, blue skies, warm sun and a flat, calm sea promising a really enjoyable event.

Every athlete was delighted with a sea temperature that started at a balmy 16.5 degrees in the morning and touched a Mediterranean 18 degrees by 2pm. South Coast always run a fabulous event – superbly organised and very well marshalled by their army of volunteers. The day began with a “Try a Tri” for first timers followed by a kids’ event with a variety of swim distances for different age groups.

The Sprint Triathlon began at 2pm as scheduled and involved a 750m swim off Claycastle beach, a 19km cycle on a fast, flat out – and – back route towards Killeagh and a 6.1 km run made up of two laps on a route which incorporated Youghal’s scenic boardwalk. Covid restrictions played their part on the day. The race was started in socially distanced waves and restrictions also meant the kids’ event was shortened to a swim/run. Blackwater Triathlon Club members did their club proud once again: Mike Lyons finished a superb third overall in a very impressive time of 1 hour and 8 minutes. Siobhain Steele won her age group, as did Marion Twomey who was competing in her first ever Triathlon. Kay Quirke was second in her age group on the day as well. Every Blackwater athlete completed the race, and all finished well up in their respective categories. The future of the club is also strong with the next generation represented by Blackwater Triathlon Club secretary Stephen Dalton’s son, Jack, in the 10-11 age group.

Our thanks to South Coast Tri Club for organising both the event and the fantastic weather so well, to all their volunteers who kept us safe on the roads and to the people of Youghal for their patience and enthusiastic support all around the course.

THE HOOK OR BY CROOK TRIATHLON

The Boland’s BMW Hook or by Crook Triathlon, in association with Dunmore East Golf Club, took place in Dunmore East on Saturday, September 18. Winner of Race of the Year at the 2018 Triathlon Ireland Awards, this is a unique event set in the picturesque seaside village of Dunmore East. This year’s triathlon featured a beach-to-beach 750-metre swim, an out-and-back 20km cycle on the Dunmore to Waterford road, followed by the challenge of a 5km run with a large section run on the golf course, finishing at the golf club. This year the Hook Or By Crook Triathlon was also part of the BMW Triathlon Ireland National Series and Sprint Distance National Championships, which ensured a high-quality field on the day.

395 athletes took part in the race with Blackwater Triathlon Club being represented by Mary O’Donnell, Clem Leonard and Jonathan Kenneally. Once again, the weather was perfect and there was a great atmosphere as the athletes gathered in their waves to start. This was definitely a race for people who liked hills, but the spectacular views on the sunny South-East helped make up for the pain. New BTC member Mary O’Donnell continued her excellent start to her triathlon career, finishing 4th in her age group and 14th overall in the elite sprint national championships. Definitely an athlete to watch out for in years to come. Both Jonathan and Clem had a good day out as well and as usual the race was very well run and organised by our friends down in Waterford.

THE PIKEMAN TRIATHLON

On Sunday, September 19 Blackwater Triathlon Club had a single representative at the Pikeman Olympic distance Triathlon in Rosslare, County Wexford. Eileen Ryan travelled down to take part in the 1500m swim, 40km cycle and 10km run. Once again this was a very well-run event with 223 triathletes competing on the day. The swimmers had to contend with the company of large numbers of jellyfish, but apart from that swim conditions were ideal. The cycle route was flat and fast and the run was a bit bumpy according to Eileen. Despite the jellyfish and bumpy run, Eileen finished in a remarkable time of 2:37:29, second in her age group and 16th woman home overall. Well done to Eileen and everyone who took part on the day.

NEW MEMBERS

We welcome new members at any time. You don’t have to be an elite athlete to take part in triathlons. While for some people it’s about the competition for others it’s just about taking part and having fun. It’s also a great way to meet people with similar interests and abilities. So if you’re feeling like a new challenge for 2021 contact us and before you know it you’ll be able to call yourself a triathlete. More advice and information on triathlons is freely available from your local club. For further information see our club website or contact Aidan Sheridan at asheridankilbar