Aileen Morrison of the North West Triathlon Club and a member of Triathlon Ireland's High Performance squad finished 5th on Saturday in the Waterways Ireland European Triathlon Championships in Athlone. Morrison had a strong swim, exiting the water in second position. This placed her nicely in the lead cycle pack of 17 where she and fellow TI elite athlete Emma Davis worked well to keep the pace up throughout the bike leg.
Proving herself to be a serious contender for the 2012 London Olympics, Morrison produced a strong run performance and surprised many more experienced athletes who finished behind the Derry girl. During her post race interview, she broke into tears, thanking the Irish crowd for their support.
In the Age Group Sprint event held earlier that day five other members of the North West were in action with two of the men getting into the top ten in their respective age groups. Paul McConnellogue raced consistently from start to finish to cross the line in 7th position in the M40-44 age category. He put in a time of 1hr 9mins while Jarlath Fearon finished strong on the run to clock 1.11.46 putting him 9th in the M45-49 age group. Frankie Dunlop also stayed consistent throughout his race to finish in 13th spot in M50-54 category in 1.15.23. Joe Doherty's continued good form saw him race strong in the M30-34 category clocking a 1.10.34 which was good enough for 19th position while Aoife Logan put in a good swim in the F30-34 race to finish in 23rd spot in 1.26.03.
On Sunday, Mickey McBride competed in the M40-44 Age Group Olympic event while Patrick McLaughlin raced in the M30-34 Open Olympic event. McBride put in a strong bike to cross the line in 24th position in a time of 2.23.13. McLaughlin performed well in the run up to his next Ironman race to come 16th in his category in 2.35.32 An all round great performance from the club competing against some of the best in Ireland and Europe.
Sunday, 4 July 2010
Tuesday, 29 June 2010
North West Tri Club to Compete at Europeans
This weekend eight athletes from the North West Triathlon Club will make the trip to Athlone to compete at the European Triathlon Championships. The event will be the largest triathlon ever held in Ireland and one of the biggest triathlon events on the continent this year with over 4,000 participants expected. The races taking place over the weekend include partriathlon, try-a-tri, relay events, age group sprint and olympic distance triathlons and junior & senior elite men & women's triathlon.
Derry's Paul McConnellogue, Jarlath Fearon, Frankie Dunlop and Joe Doherty together with Aoife Logan from Buncrana will all compete in the age group sprint distance race going off early on Saturday morning. Carndonagh man Patrick McLaughlin and Dublin-based Derry man Mickey McBride will go off on Sunday morning in the age group olympic distance race. These races will put the best age group triathles from across Ireland and the rest of Europe against each other as they battle it out for a podium finish and their chance to break into triathlon's pro circuit.
Aileen Morrison will compete on Saturday afternoon in the elite women's race. Morrison will race athletes such as Helen Jenkins of Great Britain, 2008 world champion and Olympic silver medalist and 2007 World Champion Vanessa Fernades of Portugal. The elite men race on Sunday with the current world champion Ailstair Brownlee of Great Britain expected to dominate. However the threat from the Russians and the Germans together with former world and European champion, Javier Gomez of Spain, it looks set to be close encounter for the men.
TV coverage of the entire event will be shown on RTE on Sunday 4th July at 8.30pm and race results will be available from www.triathlone.com
Derry's Paul McConnellogue, Jarlath Fearon, Frankie Dunlop and Joe Doherty together with Aoife Logan from Buncrana will all compete in the age group sprint distance race going off early on Saturday morning. Carndonagh man Patrick McLaughlin and Dublin-based Derry man Mickey McBride will go off on Sunday morning in the age group olympic distance race. These races will put the best age group triathles from across Ireland and the rest of Europe against each other as they battle it out for a podium finish and their chance to break into triathlon's pro circuit.
Aileen Morrison will compete on Saturday afternoon in the elite women's race. Morrison will race athletes such as Helen Jenkins of Great Britain, 2008 world champion and Olympic silver medalist and 2007 World Champion Vanessa Fernades of Portugal. The elite men race on Sunday with the current world champion Ailstair Brownlee of Great Britain expected to dominate. However the threat from the Russians and the Germans together with former world and European champion, Javier Gomez of Spain, it looks set to be close encounter for the men.
TV coverage of the entire event will be shown on RTE on Sunday 4th July at 8.30pm and race results will be available from www.triathlone.com
Monday, 31 May 2010
NW Sprint/Liam Ball Triathlon 30th May 2010
The 25th Liam Ball Triathlon took place at Templemore Sports Complex on Sunday 30th May. The race which is now incorporated with the North West Sprint Triathlon was organised by the North West Triathlon Club together with Derry City Council. Many local athletes took part enjoying plenty of success on the medal front.
Joanne Doran of the North West Triathlon Club, who went into the woman’s race as favourite lived up to all expectation as she won the women’s race in convincing fashion. Second out of the water, Doran pushed hard on the bike leg to take and extend the lead. Doran finished with a strong run to finish in 1hr 15min 43sec. Letterkenny's Margaret Kelly was 2nd in 1.17.10 with Caron Mullen in 3rd in 1.17.50.
Joanne also took the prize of First Local Female. Aoife Logan took 2nd place in the F30-34 age group in 1.25.52. Roisin Lynch took the F60+ prize together with First Local Female Vet prize in a time of 1.29.28. Shauna Mullan finished in 1.29.40 while Evelyn Donnelly of Foyle Cycling Club made a welcome return to triathlon clocking a 1.32.07. Buncrana's Grainne Neary, who is also a member of City of Derry Spartans AC took the Junior Ladies prize in a time of 1.23.31. The Bally Family Relay took part in the Ladies race with Liam Ball's three daughters, Kerrylee, Lianne and Angeline each completing a leg of the race.
In the men's race overall winner, Connor Murphy of Leicester Triathlon Club, lead from the outset and despite the efforts of the chasing pack he left them fighting for the minor placings. Murphy broken the hour mark storming home in 59mins 26secs. Paul Caroll of Belfast's Olympian Triathlon Club took 2nd in a time of 1.03.43 while Sean Featherstone of Newry was 3rd in 1.04.13. Colm Quigley of the North West was next accross the line in 1.04.33, winning the M35-39 age category and First Local Male awards for his efforts. Paul McConnellogue was the next North West man to finish in 1.05.54, winning First Local Male Vet and coming 2nd in M40-44 age category.
Gary O'Donnell crossed the line in 1.08.37 coming 3rd in M30-35 age group while Joe Doherty wasn't far behind in 1.09.15. Paul McGilloway was the next local man to finish in 1.10.42 with Brendan Doherty finishing in 1.11.09. James Beattie and Frakie Dunlop were next home in 1.12.05 and 1.12.43 respectively. Dunlop also took 2nd in the M50-54 age category. Mickey McBride made the trip up from Dublin to represent the North West finishing in 1.13.37. Philip Bradley and Eamon Harkin battled to the line with Bradley clocking 1.15.45 and Harkin a 1.15.49. Gavin Molloy enjoyed a good race crossing the line in 1.17.27. Peter McLaughlin finished in 1.18.55 while Darren Deehan clocked a 1.18.39. Brian McCallion raced to a 1.21.47 with Garvin Doherty of Foyle Valley AC hot on his heals on a 1.21.50.
Terry Donnelly made it 25 races out of 25 completing every Liam Ball Triathlon down through the years, finishing in 1.24.16. Joining Donnelly in this milestone achievement was Derry's own Danny Sheerin completing the race in 2.10.24. Sheerin also took the M65-69 age category prize. Shaun Heaney of the NW crossed the line in 1.26.06 while Cormac Woods was right behind him in 1.26.08. Gareth Doherty of Foyle Valley AC finished in 1.27.08. Tony Morrison clocked a 1.30.41 with Packy Deehan and Paddy McGilloway crossing the line in 1.30.48 and 1.32 respectively. Clive Bell took the M60-65 age category in a time of 1.40.03.
The Male Junior prize was awarded to Carl O'Reilly who finished in a time of 1.16.12. The Spirit of the Race award went to Michelle Kelly which is given annually by the Ball family to a competitor who captures the true meaning taking part in such an event and sometimes overcoming the odds to complete the race.
Prizes were awarded by Liam Ball's wife and sister together with the Mayor of Derry and Aileen Morrison who is a memeber of the North West Triathlon Club and the Irish Triathlon Squad hoping for Olympic qualification for London 2012. Gerry Lynch was the announcer.
The North West Triathlon club would like to thank the Ball Family, the Derry City Council, St. John's Ambulance, the PSNI & Gardai, Foyle Cycling Club, Foyle Valley Athletics Club and it's own club members and friends for all their help with making this race an enjoyable and sucessful day.
Joanne Doran of the North West Triathlon Club, who went into the woman’s race as favourite lived up to all expectation as she won the women’s race in convincing fashion. Second out of the water, Doran pushed hard on the bike leg to take and extend the lead. Doran finished with a strong run to finish in 1hr 15min 43sec. Letterkenny's Margaret Kelly was 2nd in 1.17.10 with Caron Mullen in 3rd in 1.17.50.
Joanne also took the prize of First Local Female. Aoife Logan took 2nd place in the F30-34 age group in 1.25.52. Roisin Lynch took the F60+ prize together with First Local Female Vet prize in a time of 1.29.28. Shauna Mullan finished in 1.29.40 while Evelyn Donnelly of Foyle Cycling Club made a welcome return to triathlon clocking a 1.32.07. Buncrana's Grainne Neary, who is also a member of City of Derry Spartans AC took the Junior Ladies prize in a time of 1.23.31. The Bally Family Relay took part in the Ladies race with Liam Ball's three daughters, Kerrylee, Lianne and Angeline each completing a leg of the race.
In the men's race overall winner, Connor Murphy of Leicester Triathlon Club, lead from the outset and despite the efforts of the chasing pack he left them fighting for the minor placings. Murphy broken the hour mark storming home in 59mins 26secs. Paul Caroll of Belfast's Olympian Triathlon Club took 2nd in a time of 1.03.43 while Sean Featherstone of Newry was 3rd in 1.04.13. Colm Quigley of the North West was next accross the line in 1.04.33, winning the M35-39 age category and First Local Male awards for his efforts. Paul McConnellogue was the next North West man to finish in 1.05.54, winning First Local Male Vet and coming 2nd in M40-44 age category.
Gary O'Donnell crossed the line in 1.08.37 coming 3rd in M30-35 age group while Joe Doherty wasn't far behind in 1.09.15. Paul McGilloway was the next local man to finish in 1.10.42 with Brendan Doherty finishing in 1.11.09. James Beattie and Frakie Dunlop were next home in 1.12.05 and 1.12.43 respectively. Dunlop also took 2nd in the M50-54 age category. Mickey McBride made the trip up from Dublin to represent the North West finishing in 1.13.37. Philip Bradley and Eamon Harkin battled to the line with Bradley clocking 1.15.45 and Harkin a 1.15.49. Gavin Molloy enjoyed a good race crossing the line in 1.17.27. Peter McLaughlin finished in 1.18.55 while Darren Deehan clocked a 1.18.39. Brian McCallion raced to a 1.21.47 with Garvin Doherty of Foyle Valley AC hot on his heals on a 1.21.50.
Terry Donnelly made it 25 races out of 25 completing every Liam Ball Triathlon down through the years, finishing in 1.24.16. Joining Donnelly in this milestone achievement was Derry's own Danny Sheerin completing the race in 2.10.24. Sheerin also took the M65-69 age category prize. Shaun Heaney of the NW crossed the line in 1.26.06 while Cormac Woods was right behind him in 1.26.08. Gareth Doherty of Foyle Valley AC finished in 1.27.08. Tony Morrison clocked a 1.30.41 with Packy Deehan and Paddy McGilloway crossing the line in 1.30.48 and 1.32 respectively. Clive Bell took the M60-65 age category in a time of 1.40.03.
The Male Junior prize was awarded to Carl O'Reilly who finished in a time of 1.16.12. The Spirit of the Race award went to Michelle Kelly which is given annually by the Ball family to a competitor who captures the true meaning taking part in such an event and sometimes overcoming the odds to complete the race.
Prizes were awarded by Liam Ball's wife and sister together with the Mayor of Derry and Aileen Morrison who is a memeber of the North West Triathlon Club and the Irish Triathlon Squad hoping for Olympic qualification for London 2012. Gerry Lynch was the announcer.
The North West Triathlon club would like to thank the Ball Family, the Derry City Council, St. John's Ambulance, the PSNI & Gardai, Foyle Cycling Club, Foyle Valley Athletics Club and it's own club members and friends for all their help with making this race an enjoyable and sucessful day.
Sunday, 23 May 2010
Limavady Triathlon Success for the North West
The Limavady Triathlon took place on Saturday 15th May. 12 members of the North West Tri Club made the trip to the Roe Valley for what is traditionally the first triathlon of the season for most in the NW. With podium finishes in both the men's and women's race it proved a successful day all round.
Joanne Doran finished on the top spot in the women's race. Doran took full advantage of a strong swim to stay ahead of the chasing pack which included Derry's Anne Paul and Letterkenny's Margaret Kelly for the remainder of the race. She crossed the line in a time of 1hour 13minutes 55seconds with Paul and Kelly second and third respectively. Aoife Logan stopped the clock on 1.25.11.
Colm Quigley led the North West men in an exciting race that saw the fight for podium spots go right down to the run course. Eventual winner Alister Duffield marginally led Quigley out of the water, however with a strong bike leg and quick transitions from Quigley he was first man out on to the run. With Paul Carroll and Duffied was now chasing, both men had to produce the two fastest run splits of the day to catch Quigley who took third spot in 1.03.17.
Paul McConnellogue was the next NW man across the line in 1.05.49 winning the M40-44 age category. Jarlath Fearon, who despite struggling with a hamstring problem on the run, fought his way to the finish in a time of 1.09.14. Joe Doherty, who went off in an earlier heat, finished in 1.09.17. James Beattie and Paul McGilloway raced to the line with Beattie just getting the edge on McGilloway in times of 1.10.09 and 1.10.14 respectively. The 'awl han' Frankie Dunlop wasn't far off either finishing in 1.10.50. Patrick McLaughlin, who was fresh from competing in a half-ironman the previous weekend, raced to a 1.13.36. Gavin Molloy enjoyed a good race to stop the clock in 1.18.17 while club newcomer Stevie Ballard finished in a very credible 1.24.42.
Next up for the club is the NW Sprint/Liam Ball Triathlon on Sunday 30th May. This race is hosted by the North West Club and it is the 25th anniversary of the Liam Ball Triathlon. The race is the Ulster Sprint Triathlon Championships with the additional bonus of again being part of the National Series which means that all competing athletes will be racing for points in the Series as well as an Ulster title!
Monday, 26 April 2010
Irish Duathlon Championships (25th April 2010)
The North West Triathlon Club hosted the Irish and Ulster Duathlon Championships on Sunday morning at Burnfoot, Co. Donegal. The race was also a qualifier for the World Duathlon Championships which takes place in Edinburgh this September.
The competition on the day was closely fought with Joe Lynch of Dublin Tri Club Pulse coming away eventual winner in a time of 1 hour 51 minutes 9 seconds. Barry Minnock led the way on the first run with a time of 31.28 for 10km. On to the bike and Lynch posted a sub 1 hour time of 59.41 for the 40km. A close race was now on between Lynch, Dublin's Bjorn Ludick, Kevin Keane (Belpark) and Brian Campbell (Hi Elbow) for top spot. On the final 5km run Campbell posted the quickest time of 15.37. However Ludick held on for second place in 1.51.27 with Keane taking third spot in 1.51.50. Campbell was next to stop the clock in 1.51.58 which saw him come away with the Ulster title.
In the women's race Eilish Connery of Muckno Tri Club was a clear winner also coming away with the Ulster title. The Monaghan woman posted the quickest 10km run time of the ladies in 36.39 and finished in an overall time of 2.8.33. Aoife Lynch of Pulse Tri Club was second home in 2.10.29 while Wheelworx Tri Club member Bronagh Ni Bhriain took third place in 2.10.42.
The Relay team prize went to the North West's Pius McIntyre and Aaron Deane finishing in a time of 1.48.32. McIntyre completed both run legs while Deane took charge of the cycle leg posting the quickest bike split of the day in a time of 56.28.
Colm Quigley led the rest of the host club members home in a time of 2.03.32 with Gary O'Donnell crossed the line in 2.04.48. Paul McConnellogue was the next club member in on 2.06.38 with Paul McGilloway stopping the clock in 2.08.20. Brendan Doherty and Cormac Woods were next to finish in times of 2.11.18 and 2.12.46 respectively. James Beattie raced to 2.15.07 with Philip Bradley doing a time of2.16.09 and Mickey Kerr crossed the line in a time of 2.20.25.
Next up for the club is the Limavady Triathlon on the 15th May followed by the North West Sprint/Liam Ball Triathlon again hosted by the club on 30th May.
Sunday, 11 April 2010
Buncrana Duathlon 11th April 2010
The Buncrana Duathlon was blessed with good weather as over seventy athletes lined up to take part in the race consisting of a 2 mile run, 10 mile cycle and another 2 mile run to finish. The event always attracts a good mix of individual entries and relay teams which always makes for a competitive race. 17 members of the North West Triathlon Club competed with the club dominating the Relay and Ladies events.
The clubs' relay team made up of Pius McIntyre and Aaron Deane took top spot in a time of 45mins 47secs. McIntyre completed his runs in 10.51 and 10.41 respectively while Deane posted the fasted bike split of the day in 24mins 15secs. Joanne Doran won the ladies race in a time of 1 hour 24 seconds with Buncrana's Aoife Logan coming 2nd on 1 hour 6 mins 51secs.
Adam Speers of the Letterkenny Club 24/7 won the overall male category with the North West's Colm Quigley taking third spot in a time of 50mins 45secs. Gary O'Donnell finished on 51mins 6secs while Paul McConnellogue clocked 52mins 36secs. Paul McGilloway and Joe Doherty finished on 53.18 and 54.17 respectively. James Beattie stopped the clock on 55.36 while Jarlath Fearon crossed the line in 55.58. Frankie Dunlop and Philip Bradley were close at the finished with the 'awl han' Frankie coming in on 56.49 while duathlon debutant Bradley had a very respectable time of 56.51. Carndonagh's Patrick McLaughlin was the next club memember home in 58.39. Junior club member Lee Beattie clocked an impressive 59.14 and Michael McGlynn finished in 1hr 1min 11secs. Brian McCallion was next across the line for the club in 1.04.42 with Clive Bell finishing on 1.06.44 and Tony Morrison coming home in 1.08.55.
Next up is the North West Duathlon which takes place in Burnfoot on Sunday 25 April. This race is also the Irish Duathlon Championships and consists of a 1km run, 40km cycle and 5km run to finish. Further details on the race are available on the club website www.northwesttriclub.com
Sunday, 7 March 2010
North West Sprint/Liam Ball Triathlon Entries Open
The entries for this year's North West Sprint/Liam Ball Triathlon are now open. Hosted by the North West Triathlon Club it takes place on Sunday 30th May with the first wave off at 9am in Templemore Sports Complex.
It will consist of a 750m Swim/20km Bike/5km Run. The race is once again part of Triathlon Ireland's National Series League and the race is also the Ulster Sprint Championships. This year celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Liam Ball Triathlon and the club is hoping for an even bigger and better race than last year.
As this is the Ulster Championships, this race will attract a competitive field from throughout the province in an early season charge to be the best in Ulster. Last year's winner Brian Campbell is expected to make a return visit to Derry with runners up Ciaran O'Sullivan from Letterkenny along with Derry's own Colm Quigley also in the line up.
The women's race will see a competitive field lead by Letterkenny's Sinead Jennings who is set to defend her crown, together with Margaret Kelly also making the trip up the Derry road. The North West may also provide their own big contenter in Olympic hopeful Aileen Morrison.
Entry is now open and the organisers will accept entries for individual entries only.
Please note the if you reqire a a one day licence to compete this must applied for in advance from Triathlon Ireland’s website www.triathlonireland.com, unfortunatly licenses will not issues on the day of the race .Athletes will not be allowed to race unless they have this licence or alternatively that they are a Triathlon Ireland member.
Entry is only available online and can be made through the events page on
http://www.runireland.com at http://www.runireland.com/forms/northwest-sprintliam-ball
It will consist of a 750m Swim/20km Bike/5km Run. The race is once again part of Triathlon Ireland's National Series League and the race is also the Ulster Sprint Championships. This year celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Liam Ball Triathlon and the club is hoping for an even bigger and better race than last year.
As this is the Ulster Championships, this race will attract a competitive field from throughout the province in an early season charge to be the best in Ulster. Last year's winner Brian Campbell is expected to make a return visit to Derry with runners up Ciaran O'Sullivan from Letterkenny along with Derry's own Colm Quigley also in the line up.
The women's race will see a competitive field lead by Letterkenny's Sinead Jennings who is set to defend her crown, together with Margaret Kelly also making the trip up the Derry road. The North West may also provide their own big contenter in Olympic hopeful Aileen Morrison.
Entry is now open and the organisers will accept entries for individual entries only.
Please note the if you reqire a a one day licence to compete this must applied for in advance from Triathlon Ireland’s website www.triathlonireland.com, unfortunatly licenses will not issues on the day of the race .Athletes will not be allowed to race unless they have this licence or alternatively that they are a Triathlon Ireland member.
Entry is only available online and can be made through the events page on
http://www.runireland.com at http://www.runireland.com/forms/northwest-sprintliam-ball
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)