Over 70 athletes competed in Carrick-on-Suir's Barry McCarthy Memorial Swim Races

More than 70 swimmers from all over Ireland competed in the Barry McCarthy Memorial Charity Swim Races in Carrick-on-Suir last Saturday afternoon.

The 1,500m, 750m and 500m men’s and women's races in the River Suir at Seán Healy Park took place in perfect weather conditions.

The 1,500m women’s swim race was won by Aoife Trihy, Waterford with Chloe Bennett, Dunmore East 2nd and Susan Hickey of Clonmel Triathlon Club 3rd.

Joe Morgan, Fethard won the 1,500 men’s race with David Martin of Kilkenny Triathlon Club was 2nd and Conor Power of Carrick Dippers Swim Club was 3rd.

The 750m women’s race was won by Eibhlis Bartley, Carrick-on-Suir, 2nd was Andrea Lyons of Carrick-on-Suir Triathlon Club and 3rd was Nancy Ferris of Clonmel Triathlon Club.

The 750m men’s race was won by Martin Flynn of Waterford Triathlon Club, 2nd place was David Flaherty of Carrick-on-Suir Triathlon Club and 3rd place was David Condon of Waterford Triathlon Club.

First home in the 500m women’s race was Margo O’Dowd of Waterford Triathlon Club followed by clubmate Elaine Mullen in 2nd place and Siobhan Power of Carrick Triathlon Club in 3rd place.

The 500m men’s race was won by Finlay McHardy of Dungarvan based Tried & Tested Triathlon Club with Anthony Davis of Clonmel Triathlon Club in 2nd place and Garry McCarthy of Carrick Triathlon Club in 3rd place.    

The races were organised by Carrick-on-Suir Triathlon Club every year to commemorate the late Barry McCarthy, a former chairman of the club who passed away in 2009.

Garry McCarthy of Carrick Triathlon Club, who is Barry’s twin brother, said all funds raised by last Saturday’s swim races will be donated to South Tipperary Hospice Movement. He estimated the event has raised more than €3,000 for the cause.

He thanked Carrick-on-Suir River Rescue, Sean Kelly Sports Centre and all the athletes who competed in the races and donated to the cause. He also thanked all who sponsored prizes for the races.

Carrick Triathlon

The Barry McCarthy Memorial Swim Races are a popular practice run for the annual Carrick-on-Suir Triathlon Club Sprint triathlon race that take place on Sunday, August 11 at 11am.

An estimated 150 athletes are expected to compete in the event that will comprise a 500m swim in the River Suir in Carrick-on-Suir, a 20km cycle from Carrick to Kilsheelan and back and a 5km run on the Suir Blueway.

Garry encouraged the public to support the event that will feature many athletes from local triathlon clubs. He will be taking part in Carrick Triathlon as preparation from a 70.3 Ironman race in Italy in September, which he will compete in with fellow Carrick Triathlon Club member Alan O’Brien.

Check out more of photographer Anne Marie Magorrian's photos from the Barry McCarthy Memorial Swim Races on page 43 of this week's edition of The Nationalist now on sale in local shops. 

Pictured below: Four generations of the McCarthy family at the Barry McCarthy Memorial Swim Races: Back: Siobhan McCarthy, Garry McCarthy, twin brother of the late Barry McCarthy, and his brother Eugene McCarthy, front: Danny Russell, the late Barry McCarthy’s father Peter McCarthy, Denise McCarthy and her son Cian Ryan.