Athletes from all over Ireland competed in Carrick-on-Suir Triathlon

More than 150 athletes from all over Ireland competed in the 31st Carrick-on-Suir Triathlon on Sunday, with Conor O'Brien from Limerick Triathlon Club winning the men's race and Isabella Chidlow from South Coast Triathlon Club in Youghal clinching the women's race.

Athletes representing 20 triathlon clubs joined individual competitors in vying for honours in the race that started and finished at Carrick's Sean Healy Park and involved a 600 metres swim in the River Suir, a 20km cycle to Kilsheelan and back to Carrick and a 5km run along the Suir Blueway.

The hot and sunny conditions tested the athletes' endurance during the run and cycle but were ideal for the swim race.

Garry McCarthy of Carrick-on-Suir Triathlon Club said the triathlon was a great success and the club received very positive feedback from the sport's governing body, Triathlon Ireland, about the quality of the water in the River Suir for the swim race.

The top three men in the competition were, first, Conor O'Brien of Limerick Triathlon Club; second, Paul Ogle of Waterford Triathlon Club and third, John Lynch of Tried and Tested Triathlon Club, Dungarvan.

The top three female athletes were, first, Isabella Chidlow, South Coast Triathlon Club, Youghal; second, Becky McGrath of Kilkenny Triathlon Club and third, Aoife Trihy, Waterford.

Two teams from Boston Scientific in Clonmel won the relay competitions.

Over 20 Carrick-on-Suir Triathlon Club members competed in the triathlon and there was also a large contingent of competitors from Clonmel Triathlon Club.

Carrick Triathlon Club's best performers were Seamus Babbington and Jeffrey Brophy, who placed fourth and fifth respectively. Seamus won the Under 35 category of the race while Jeffrey won the Under 50 category.

Other Carrick Triathlon Club members who shone in the competition were Patrick Harris, who placed in the top 10; John Cooney, Andrea Lyons and Siobhan Power, who were all prize winners in their categories.

Another standout local athlete was Clonmel Triathlon Club member Senan O'Halloran, who achieved eighth place in the race.

Garry thanked all the volunteers who helped to organise and steward the competition and also local members of An Garda Síochana, the Irish Red Cross, Carrick River Rescue and Carrick-on-Suir Athletic Club for their help and support.

He also thanked Carrick Davins GAA Club for allowing the use of its club facilities for registration and O’K Cycles for carrying out bike checks and maintenance for athletes.