Photos and results from the first Balbriggan Sprint Triathlon by Fingal Tri Club.

Distances were 750m swim, 20km cycle, 5km run.

Report by Derek Patterson.

“Triathlon returned to Balbriggan on Saturday 28th May. Promoted and managed by the enthusiastic Fingal Tri Club as part of the annual week long Festival.

Last time I was was here was the early 90′s when the Lunar club led by former TI President Dave Doyle staged it. I didnt actually get to start as my bonded alloy Vitus Sean Kelly replica which was like riding “al-dente” pasta compared to todays carbon steeds fell apart during the warmup.

Anyhow on to more important matters and what a great turnout with over 150 for the race sponsored by Dave of www.RZ3.ie Athlone, who kindly provided the winners with a superfast Zone3 wetsuit.

Another great beach start with a cool but safe and scenic 750 swim with a spectator friendly transition zone “underneath the arches” of the main railway line. After refereeing out West at Spiddal in the rain last week thank goodness the sun shone in Co.Dublin.

Donncha O Siadhail dominated the swim and led the mens race for quite a while until superbiker David Kilrea (1 of 3 Kilrea’s racing today) reeled him in to win with Ciaran Gilbin having a very close battle with Dinny Collins to take 3rd.

Micheal Kehoe produced the 2nd fastest run to pass Frank Kehoe for 5th. Donal Brady, Micheal McNally, Dennis O’Donnel (1st Vet) and John Darcy (2nd vet), David Power, Stephen Kildea and Derek Fagan made up the top dozen all within the next 2 mins.

In the gals race Trudy Brown made up the 2mins Julieann Galloway had after the swim and went on to win from Kim Rowan and Trisha Callan.

There was plenty of close racing to follow with the 9 next girls , Helen Mullarkey, Susan Brady, Ruth Murphy, Marie Sudway (1st Vet), Louise McEvoy, Juliean Galloway and Caroline Broadman, Lisa Bennet and Aiofe Broderick all with in 4 minutes of each other.

Good to see Billy Kennedy who raced the original event finishing strong today in the silver class and former top contender Dave O’Connor’s (swim) team winning the relay.

Great course with loads of help and support making the most of the venue with a traffic free run partly on grass.

Thanks to Mollies cafe for the pre race french toast and post race craic.

See you at the races.

Derek Patterson,

Real Triathlon”.

Photos

Photos galleries by Derek Patterson.

Swim Start video.

Results

Balbriggan Triathlon Results