30th anniversary triathlon in Carrick-on-Suir attracted over 200 super fit athletes

More than 200 super fit cyclists, runners and swimmers flocked to Carrick-on-Suir on Sunday to compete in the town’s 30th anniversary triathlon.

The event attracted competitors from 30 clubs throughout the country, as well as from Northern Ireland and Britain, and plenty of supporters as well.

Men’s overall winners of the Triathlon event held in Carrick-on-Suir last Sunday. From left, Paul Hogan, second, (Waterford Triathlon Club); the winner, Pierce Gallagher (Predator Triathlon Club, Galway) and third, Michael Scully (Clonmel Triathlon Club) with Garry McCarthy, Chairperson of the Carrick-on-Suir Triathlon Club. Picture: Anne Marie Magorrian

18-year-old Pearse Gallagher of the Predator Triathlon Club in Galway won the men’s race while Waterford Triathlon Club star Nicola Keogh won the women’s race.

Cathaoirleach of Carrick-on-Suir Municipal District, David Dunne, started the gruelling endurance race at Sean Healy Park at 9am on Sunday.

The first leg was a 600 metres swim race in the River Suir, followed by a 20 kilometres cycle to Kilsheelan and back and concluding with a 5 kilometeres run along the Suir Blueway.

Garry McCarthy of Carrick-on-Suir Triathlon Club said the race attracted a large contingent of competitors from the home club, as well as the neighbouring triathlon clubs of Clonmel, Waterford and Dungarvan.

Carrick Triathlon Club’s top male and female performers were Patrick Harris, who finished 11th overall, and Eileen Skelly.

All competitors received a special 30th anniversary medal at the end of the race.

The event concluded with a 30th anniversary celebrated in Ó Cealleacháin’s pub on Carrick’s Main Street, where a special anniversary cake in the Tipperary colours was cut and Carrick Triathlon Club members and visitors enjoyed refreshments.

A presentation was made to Garry McCarthy at the function in appreciation of his huge contribution as the Carrick Triathlon’s race director over the past 30 years.

Garry said the club was delighted with the turnout of competitors and spectators for the 30th anniversary triathlon.

“Some old members turned up to watch the event. It was very nostalgic.

“A lot of people came to say thank you for 30 years of the race”.

He recalled that when he was competing in triathlons 30 years ago, a turnout of 40 competitors for a race was considered good, while Carrick-on-Suir was just the second triathlon club to be established in Munster.

He said that in the intervening years three triathlon clubs – Clonmel, Waterford and Wexford - were formed by former Carrick-on-Suir Triathlon Club members.

Garry thanked Carrick Davins GAA Club for allowing their clubhouse to be used for registration for the triathlon, Carrick-on-

Suir River Rescue volunteers, the Red Cross and gardaí and all the volunteers who helped ensure the race ran smoothly.

Results

First Male, Pearse Gallagher, Predator Triathlon Club, Mayo.

Second, Paul Ogle, Waterford Triathlon Club.

Third, Michael Scully, Clonmel.

Eileen Skelly of Carrick-on-Suir Triathlon Club, who came in second place in the female (60-69) age group, with Chairperson of the Carrick-on-Suir Triathlon Club Garry McCarthy

Check out the Sports Section of this week's edition of The Nationalist for two pages of photographic coverage of the Carrick-on-Suir Triathlon.