When the organiser’s shortened the swim from 750m to 600m the majority of the competitors would have breathed a sigh of relief, however their reasons for this where soon found out by what can only be described as an endless pool type current that the swimmers had to endure, indeed it was to be the beginning of the end for a lot of people on the day.
 
Previous to that their had been attempts by the Mullingar Town Council to blockade the route but with the help of some bad signposts, a few prayers and peace-full protest the travelling party where on there way again to sign on.

The bike section of the race was a tough 20km with long drags being a feature and some very uneven road surfaces. Celine would like to take this opportunity to thank the Fellow female athlete that caused her to crash and test the slip features of the athlone tarmac, straight into the arms of the waiting Garda. Hope all is ok Celine only the pride will be hurt. The run section consisted of a spectator lined lap around the town centre with 3 laps to be completed with a Hill climb that only be described as something from the carlingford area. With a nice summers evening setting in the run section was to be the most enjoyable of the day.

Graham Townsend took the setanta team home first with 15th spot in the men’s, Gerry Mc Cabe fresh from an Ironman and a National MTB title was snapping at his heels in 20th. Paul Thorpe also on a major advertising drive for his Company (Van parked outside the Main door of the Four Star Radisson) Came in with a very impressive 44th.

Mary Laverty finished 8th overall in the ladies with once again taking a prize in her own category, Mickey is going to have to start wining some medals or there will be some serious bragging rights in the Laverty household. The portaloo Co noticed a drop off in business for this race as Mary managed to keep her insides intact for the full race.

Yours truly (RS) had just reached the summit of the third climb with some hope of a clear run to the finish, when along came the fourth Mc Cabe, Niall to issue him with the notice that he was not letting him have it that easy with both of us finishing inside the top 100. David Myles Managed to stage a good run leg to bring him in close to the 100th mark. Declan Mc cabe crossed the line in 143rd still smiling after his memorable day in Frankfurt. Anthony Mc Guirk posted a 175th but this was due in no small measure to the fact that he stopped on each lap of the run to give his ever supporting wife a loving kiss on the lips. (He needs all the brownie points he can get he found a TREK Madone). Niall Carroll and Niall Casey were vying for 181st spot with younger of the two just prevailing but Casey reckons the 2k he cycled on the rim of the back wheel may have accounted for this, Marshalls were astounded at this sight and they were not sure if he did not know he had a puncture or he just would not be able to fix it.

Paul Whately seems to be making the transition from Rugby to the triathlons look easier by each race he does it seems like he might have the former lock Casey in his sights. Michael Bent had enough time in the swim to be able to wave at the setanta support crew on the banks of the river; however he felt that he was his only opportunity to look well as he does not like the bike or the run?  Aaron Conway according to the race entry list was possibly the youngest Athlete on the day in the Category of 14-15yr, he once again finished with very commendable time and position of 300th well within the top half of the field. At his current rate of progress Aaron has the potential to be force in the sport while the rest of us will be hoping to be able to take part.

Due to Technical Difficulties and a crash both Celine and Denise encountered a different sort of day but we are sure both ladies will be back to compete another day

The Setanta travelling support once again were heard all the way through the race with support coming from Eve Mc Crystal, Una and Adam Stewart, Clann Conway, Team Hearty/Laverty, Team Fun and Frolics, and of course the lovebird crew from Drogheda my apologies if I have missed anyone out on this report, I have no doubt you will let me know.

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