The sun was shining, the birds were singing and Desi was admiring the new flower bed close to the start line, as 21 men and 7 ladies assembled at the recently spruced up Carryduff lay-by. The picnic benches proved useful as a registration point and for propping up all the racing steeds. However, the tranquillity was short-lived as Jim Cooke arrived, with his butt showing through his cycle-shorts.
A warm welcome to the first timers, Anne Maageean (Chairman of Olympian Triathlon Club, which is celebrating 25 years in existence – the oldest club in Ireland), Ciara Fitzpatrick and Aisling Trainor (who both have recently joined Olympian. Ciara signed the Disclaimer, muttering that it didn’t mean anything, as I confidently informed her that she couldn’t sue us if she had an accident. I later found out she is a barrister.
In the ladies race Ali McConnell was knocked of her customary number one spot by Judith Lowry by a mere 11 seconds. Congratulations to Ali for winning the vets triathlon race at Lake Muckno, Castleblayney at the weekend.
Neville O’Neill put in an impressive performance to finish only 47 seconds behind the unbeatable Paul Carroll. With Emma, his girlfriend time keeping, he was out to impress. Desi managed the podium once again due to taking it easy on last Sunday’s 60 mile bike ride and allowing Jonny Hooper and I to race each other up every hill that Wes could find.
Stephen Smart must also get a mention as he was delighted with his performance, boasting to me that he passed two girls. Well done Stevie, with your finish time you would have finished 3rd in the Ladies race.
Thanks to Emma Bamford (impressed) and Dave Lonnen (once again) for timekeeping.
Finally, please remember to support our sponsors, Decathlon and Lease Options for their continued support,
Glen
1. Judith Lowry 33.40
2. Ali McConnell 33.51
3. Heather Bamford 35.06
4. Ciara Fitzpatrick 36.46
5. Claire Burns 38.18
6. Aisling Trainor 38.25
7. Anne Mageean 40.37
1. Paul Carroll 28.50
2. Neville O’Neill 29.37
3. Desi McHenry 30.11
4. Jim Cooke 30.59
5. Jonny Hooper 31.08
6. Colm Hanratty 31.15
7. Clifford Rogers 31.33
8. Eddie Kearney 31.35
9. Glen Pollock 31.43
10. Davy Calvert 32.13
11. Wes Kettyle 32.19
12. Gareth Martin 32.27
13. Connor Reilly 33.10
14. Jon Reilly 33.24
15. Kieran McVeigh 33.34
16. Ciaran Hanratty 33.53
17. Michael McLernon 33.55
18. Peter McGuicken 34.06
19. Ricky Cowan 34.37
20. Stephen Smart 35.04
21. Willie Noteman 35.14