Congratulations to everyone who took part in the Lough Neagh Triathlon yesterday in what has to be said was some of the worst weather of the year. With worries of the stormy conditions making the swim impossible- organisers decided that to move the swim to the nearby marina which shortened the swim to 1200 metres. Flooding hampered the bike section and run section and made the triathlon that bit more difficult for everyone taking part. A great day was had by Setanta members with many top places being taken by our triathletes.

Brian McCrystal took the overall title in a great race with Mary Laverty and Eve McCrystal being the 2nd and 3rd fastest women on the day. Gerry McCabe was also in the rankings with a 2nd in his age group category and taking 8th position overall.

Full race results can be viewed here...

Race photographs can be viewed here...

Folks, On the evening of 12th August, the club lost a good friend. Mr David Mc Caul Former Irish international cyclist, and Owner of Sport Active the travel company we have been using for our warm weather training over the past few years, shockingly passed away as a result of an accident whilst taking part in a club league race just outside Belfast. Not much more can be said only that he was a Giant of a Gent a very good to anyone that was lucky enough to know him and able to avail of his vast expierence and coaching. Our Thoughts are with his Family.

May he Rest in Peace.

The Clubs olympic distance race is well in focus for many athletes now.

One thing, anyone with a Child of Prague statue get it out now and start praying the weather might actually be favourable this year. It does not stops us, but it would be nice for a change especially after blackrock.

The start time is 12:30 pm Saturday 30th August, Carlingford Sailing clubRegistration will open at 10am on the morning of the race Cost €40 Ti Members,

Non Ti Members subject to ODL €15

Race Entry is Now Open http://www.activeeurope.com/Events/EventDetails.cfm?E=64463&Lang=EN

Entry will close on Wed 27th August.

View Swim Course | View Cycle Course | View Run Course

Where is Carlingford?

For anyone looking for an alternative way to spend their Sunday mornings. Starting at the end of september Michael Laverty (Mickey La) is getting ready to run a spin in order to introduce anyone interested, to Mountain Biking. This will be for beginners and strictly at beginners pace, allowing people to navigate the local trails and find out for themselves the fun involved in Mountain biking locally. It will depend on interest and numbers that show up. The trails will vary from Ravensdale to Carlingford. All at beginners level with technical stuff to follow on.

Giving Mickey's expierence and dedication to the MTB its a very good oppurtunity for anyone thinking of giving the trail cycling a lash instead of the road for a while. Just in case anyone not aware Mickey has just completed the trans Alp MTB race 8 Days of 6Hr days in the Alps. But dont let this put anyone off as the idea is to get more people interested and be able to enjoy the facilities we have on our doorstep.

If your interested please text or call Mickey on 087-6831021

Please note that there has been a change in date for the JJB charity 10k fun run in aid of cancer research. The new date is September 6th. This is due to road works being carried out in Blackrock and the road closures.

Look forward to seeing you all there.

Castlewellan triathlon took place today in the Castlewellan Forest Park. 400 competitors turned out to compete in the Olympic distance event where the both the sun shone and the rain poured down! Setanta members turned out in force and had a very successful day with Liam Dolan coming 3rd both overall and in the Ulster Championships, Mary Laverty was placed 3rd in the Ulster Championships and 4th over all, and Brian McCrystal was 3rd in his age group category. Many of the club's members were trying their hand at their first ever olympic distance event and some great times and personal bests were recorded by all.

Results have not been published yet but will be up on the site shortly.

Photos of the day can be viewed by clicking here...

There was a huge turnout for the Camlough mini tri on Wednesday night! The McCrystal family had a great day with Brian winning overall with 1minute 30 seconds to spare and Eve took the womens title of the evening. A big thank you again to the Newry Triathlon Club for another well run and marshalled event. The mini series continues next week.

The results can be viewed through the link below, the bike time includes T1, while the run time includes T2.

See the results here...

JJB are hosting a 10k road race for a great cause on Saturday 23rd of August, starting at Bay United football field and finishes the roundabout at JJB. The 10k course through blackrock is mostly flat  and walkers, joggers and runners are all welcome to enter. 

The race starts at 12pm and registration is from 10 am at the JJB reception. The race entry is 10 euro and sponsorship cards are also available also. Refreshments will be  provided after the race and showers and changing facilities are available on site.  JJB have asked if anyone not participating could offer some help marshalling all help would be greatly appreciated.

The results of last Wednesdays handicapped swim in Camlough which was run by Newry Triathlon can be viewed by clicking on the link below. This was the first installment of the Mini Series which will continue this Wednesday at 7 (sign in at 6.30) with a mini tri. (see the entry below on this page for full details).

Handicapped Swim Results...

After the success of last years series and the demand for it to return, the Camlough Mini Series run by Newry Triahtlon Club is back!

The series will consist of a handicapped swim, mini tris and finally an aquathon.

It will run over the next five weeks, starting on Wednesday 23rd with the handicapped swim, then running the following three weeks will be the mini triathlons. Finally an aquathon will be held on the 20th of August.

The format of the handicapped swim race will be the slower swimmers setting off first and stronger swimmers starting at certain time gaps behind. Everyone should finish at the same time. We will kick off at 7.00 sharp.

The triathlon course will be the same as last year consisting of;

Swim: 750m Swim (Same triangular route as the Triathlon)

Bike: Head from the lake towards the T junction turning left in the direction of Newtownhamilton. Cycle along this road taking the third left, (which you would take if doing the run leg of the Camlough Triathlon), back alongside the lake to where you started, this will be one lap completed. (it will be a three lap course) Approx 10km

Run: This will be the same as the first lap of the Camlough Lake triathlon (Top of the hill turn right) Approx 3km

The aquathon will be the same as the swim and the run course from the crooked lake triathlon.

Sign on for each race will be between 6.30 and 7.00. After the race briefing we will commence at 7.15 sharp (7.00 for the handicapped swim).

Entrance fee for the mini tri’s and aquathon will be £5 or €7

Boat cover will be provided by Marty at each event

You may need to be a registered member of Triathlon Ireland to take part (Insurance Reasons)

I hope the numbers competing will be as big as last year and everyone enjoys themselves.

Check back for updates.

Cheers

Ross

Gerry McCabe was crowned ‘The Cuchulainn Warrior’ after winning the Carlingford ‘Cuchulainn Warrior Triathlon hosted by the local Setanta Triathlon Club.

The start was on the Carlingford Sailing Club slipway for this the first off/road triathlon of the season. The triathletes had to swim 400m before exiting the water and mounting their mountain bikes for a 10k bike, with a very tough single track section in Slieve Foy Forest, after overcoming a savage steep hill out of the village. Some competitors arriving with road bikes not quite sure what an off/road triathlon consisted of. They were soon to find out. Gerry McCabe went into an early lead on the bike and was to hold it to the finish of an 9k run to take the trophy in a time of 1h 23m.

Surly an event that has a great future in the area. Thanks to all the marshals out on the course and to Carlingford Red Cross, the local Garda, Carlingford Sailing Club, and Dundalk Canoe Club for their assistance on the day.

1st Gerry McCabe 01:23:36

2nd Niall Somers 01:30:06

3rd Niall O'Briain 01:40:29

4th David Dollard 01:41:02

5th Tony Kelly 01:43:10

6th Kevin Lynch 01:46:11

7th Derk McEntegart 01:46:35

8th Jacqui O'Hagan 01:48:02

9th Niall Casey 01:49:30

10th TommyBrowne 01:53:21

11th Paul Whately 01:55:36

12th DannyMurphy 01:57:46

13th Barry Casey 01:58:08

14th Niall Ivory 01:59:25

15th Sean Kalleher 02:00:36

16th AnthonyMcKenna 02:00:51

17th Cian O'Dorherty 02:02:30

18th PatrickMcMeekin 02:08:52

19th Michael Duffy 02:11:32

20th Paul Taylor 02:16:47

21st CiaranMcDonnell 02:18:08

Wicklow Triathlon Club invites you to tame the beast. There are some places left, so don’t miss out on your chance to take part in the inaugural 53 Degrees North “Beast of the East” Triathlon. The triathlon will take place on the 19th July 2008 in Lough Dan, Co. Wicklow, just 30 minutes from Dublin.  Situated in the beautiful surrounds of the garden of Ireland, the “Beast” is set to become one of Ireland’s premier races on the triathlon calendar.So be the first to tame the beast. Log on to www.beastoftheeasttri.com or www.wicklowtri.com for race details and entry. Prizes for male and female in the following categories - overall winners (1st, 2nd and 3rd), fastest splits and age group winners.

We also have a Blue bike that it looks like fell off the back of a bike rack, so if you left the village heading north with a bike and arrived home without it, let us know, niall@aquaweb.ie

We finally got the results for the race on saturday...

Click here to view the overall results

Click here to view the results by category

Well done all!

Well done to everyone who completed Blackrock triathlon in the wildest weather conditions!

Race report and results to follow.

Some photos of the day can be viewed here...

Official photographs taken by Laurence Dunne Photography can be viewed and purchased through this link from Wednesday 25th June...

Blackrock Triathlon 2008 Course Map now online.

Click here to view the map in a large version

JUst some quick reminders for Saturday's race.

Registration is open from 11am to 1pm it will close sharp at 1pm. It is located at the south end of the village next door to old post office for anyone that done the race before its the same place. Locals please come early for this.

Parking spaces are limited around registration, marshalls will be in place to direct to the deignated car parks - Church, Community Centre, Legion Of Mary Hall. There are shower facilities available at the club rooms of Rock Celtic FC on Sandy lane. This is located next to one of the designated Car parks. So once again follow marshalls for car parking please. This will help the race be a more appealling race to the local residents of the area if all athletes use these designated car parks. Thank you.

The Race itself will have 2 Wave starts you will be given your wave start at registration please adhere to this for timing purposes. Wave 1 is out at 2pm sharp wave 2 will be approx 10 mins behind.

The roads are not closed for this event so please respect the rules of the road and in particular pay attention to marshalls if they make a call at a junction etc etc.

Prizegiving will be held in the registartion area after the race is finished and times are compiled.

A video of Camlough Triathlon by Newry TV with an interview of Setanta member Sandra O'Hagan has been produced.

The video can be viewed here...

The UK Half Ironman Distance race took place today in England the clubs two athletes Liam and Brian had mixed days. Liam whom was travelling with a injury hanging over him was struck with rotten luck on the Bike section, he punctured twice and was forced to retire. there is no worse feeling than having to retire on technicals when all the hard work was done preparing for a race.

However on the flipside of luck, Brian had a tremendous race, coming home in 5 Hrs 6 Mins this placed him 29th Overall and 5th in age category. This result just proves what we all knew Brian has one very bright furture in the Triathlon arena. This is just Brian's third official race. In the position of 29th it was the case that 13 athletes ahead of Brian were Pro's all vying for world championship tickets.

So as a club we can now boast two world class athletes in both Brian and Liam once again lifting the profile of the club beyond anyones expectations. All results and possible more updated story will be available through the week.

All in the Club would like to wish Brian Mc Crystal the Best of luck on his maiden voyage on the Half Ironamn circuit. Brian has already proved in his couple of irish races this year that he is at the top of his game after only a very short period of time in the sport. The course in Wimblewall is not for tha faint hearted as several members of the club can vouch for over the last couple of years. Along with Brian will hopefully be the clubs elite athlete for the past few seasons Liam Dolan, Liam has been dogged with a pressing injury scare this year and hopefully can put it to one side to take part in what has been a fantastic event for him in the past having gained qualification for the world championships through this event before.

There will be a few suppporters heading (Mrs Mc Crystal and Miss McCrystal-Casey) over this weekend to fly the flag for the lads and keep there spirits up. So here is hoping that all the dedication will pay dividends.

Best of Luck Lads from all in the Club. http://www.half.ironmanuk.com/

Download the entry form here (UPDATED)

You can still enter online here via Active Europe

On the 5th of July in Carlingford Johnny will be runnign the Cuchulainn Warrior off Road Triathlon.500m Swim /12k Bike / 8k Run

Download the entry form here (UPDATED)

A great day was had by all at this years Crooked Lake triathlon. Over 30 Setanta members took part on Saturdays race. Nerves were high for many and temperatures soared to make this tough event even more challenging but many members still recorded personal best times. Congratulations to the Newry Triathlon Club and the Camlough Festival Committee for a superbly organised race and award ceremony at the Carrickcruppen GFC.

The results are as follows - please let me know if I have overlooked anyone:-

Brian McCrystal : Swim: 11:45 Bike: 28:12 Run: 18:55 Total: 1:00:58

Gerry McCabe: Swim: 14:16 Bike: 27:25 Run: 19:11 Total: 1:02:22

Owen Martin: Swim: 12:39 Bike: 29:07 Run: 19:10 Total: 1:04:04

Graham Townsend: Swim: 13:30 Bike: 30:46 Run: 19:19 Total: 1:05:55

Robert Kinahan: Swim: 14:39 Bike: 30:35 Run: 20:12 Total: 1:08:04

Alan Gray: Swim: 15:36 Bike: 29:12 Run: 21:04 Total: 1:08:17

Niall McCabe: Swim: 14:59 Bike: 30:47 Run: 20:24 Total: 1:08:29

Ruairi Gogarty: Swim: 12:17 Bike: 30:16 Run: 23:35 Total: 1:08:42

Johnny McCabe: Swim: 15:12 Bike: 30:18 Run: 21:10 Total: 1:08:52

David Dollard: Swim: 14:23 Bike: 31:08 Run: 21:44 Total: 1:10:06

Mary Laverty: Swim: 14:17 Bike: 32:45 Run: 21:27 Total: 1:11:01

Paul Thorpe: Swim: 12:50 Bike: 33:27 Run: 22:09 Total: 1:11:49

Niall Casey: Swim: 14:37 Bike: 32:46 Run: 23:08 Total: 1:12:49

Mark Rafferty: Swim: 15:36 Bike: 32:48 Run: 22:28 Total: 1:13:51

Brian Cafferty: Swim: 12:14 Bike: 34:14 Run: 24:52 Total: 1:13:53

Barry Casey: Swim: 16:31 Bike: 31:35 Run: 22:35 Total: 1:14:07

Derek McEnteggart: Swim: 17:45 Bike: 32:47 Run: 21:04 Total: 1:14:26

Gerry Kenny: Swim: 18:35 Bike: 31:42 Run: 21:22 Total: 1:14:45

Karl Dolan: Swim: 17:14 Bike: 29:43 Run: 26:39 Total: 1:16:53

Declan McCabe: Swim: 17:47 Bike: 32:37 Run: 23:49 Total: 1:16:58

Michael Cahill: Swim: 16:07 Bike: 34:58 Run: 22:42 Total: 1:17:03

Linda Meehan: Swim: 14:59 Bike: 37:48 Run: 24:09 Total: 1:19:47

Aaron Conway: Swim: 14:36 Bike: 39:33 Run: 27:20 Total: 1:24:53

Michael Bent: Swim: 13:47 Bike: 39:00 Run: 29:26 Total: 1:26:25

Frankey Hennessey: Swim: 16:49 Bike: 40:31 Run: 25:57 Total: 1:27:51

Eugene McEnteggart: Swim:18:31 Bike:39:09 Run: 28:17 Total: 1:29:46

Liam Baxter: Swim: 20:19 Bike: 35:12 Run: 30:07 Total: 1:30:00

Amanda Kinahan: Swim: 22:46 Bike: 37:58 Run: 26:00 Total: 1:30:05

Mairead Clarke: Swim: 20:50 Bike: 37:30 Run: 28:45 Total: 1:31:24

Claire Maher: Swim: 18:48 Bike: 39:50 Run: 28:39 Total: 1:31:24

Damian Lawrence: Swim: 20:25 Bike: 40:44 Run: 28:31 Total: 1:34:05

Barry Rafferty: Swim: 23:01 Bike: 37:44 Run:31:02 Total: 1:35:16

Denise Conway: Swim: 21:53 Bike: 40:52 Run: 28:33 Total: 1:36:03

Olivia Sands: Swim: 20:03 Bike: 41:05 Run: 31:39 Total: 1:36:33

Rosaleen Crawley Clare: Swim:22:27 Bike:45:45 Run:24:19 Total:1:39:06

Sandra O'Hagan: Swim: 20:52 Bike: 46:07 Run: 33:46 Total: 1:46:25

Liam Dolan: Swim: 12:45 Bike: 26:12 Total: DNF

Full results can be viewed here...

View the photos here...

Another great evening was had by all at the 3rd Duathlon of 2008 with representatives from both Setanta and Newry clubs in attendance.

The 3rd Duathlon results can be viewed here...

The times recorded for all duathlons to date since its inception in 2006 can be viewed here...

Photos of the duathlon can be viewed here...

Several members from the club are partaking in the Wicklow 200 event on Sunday coming. However there are are two lads taking part with a slightly un-usual method of transport, well unusual that is to all of us that are now used to carbon frames Dura ace etc etc. Mickey Laverty and David McKeown are taking part on a machine that would be more suited to Postman Pat before the invention of the Red van. Mickey has decided to annoy the people that will actually have trained for this event by passing a few of them on the hilly course at the weekend.

The Members all taking part on the more conventional bikes are Gavan Ward, Robert and Amanda, The Bull Mc Cabes and the Fourth one.

Donations are being gratefully accepted for the Mater transplantation unit.

Mickey would like to take this oppurtunity to thank Mick in Carrick Cycles for the kind sponsorship of the overhaul of the bicycle.

Below you can see the bike in action on a downhill section of the mournes

Last Saturday saw a huge group of Setanta triathletes take part in TriAthy 2008. The weather was great and spirits were high, with several of the members completing their first ever triathlon! With over 500 competitors in both the Olympic and Sprint distances, the club representatives were all well placed on the day.

Unfortunately for Mark and Conor, the run times were incorrect due to them being directed home before running their second lap but Im sure they will be fighting fit for Camlough next weekend to make up for it!

Photos from the day can be viewed here...

The following are the results of the clubs attendees (please let me know if I have overlooked anyone in the list):-

Olympic Distance

Liam Dolan- Swim: 21:44 Bike: 57:59 Run: 36:14 Total: 01:58:08

Brian McCrystal - Swim: 19:24 Bike: 1:01:44 Run: 39:14 Total: 02:02:49

Gerry McCabe- Swim: 25:42 Bike: 57:22 Run: 38:38 Total: 02:03:03

Graham Townsend- Swim: 22:46 Bike: 1:04:54 Run: 41:01 Total: 02:10:32

Johnny McCabe - Swim: 25.22 Bike: 1:04:03 Run: 41:16 Total: 02:12:37

Mary Laverty - Swim: 24:11 Bike: 1:07:57 Run: 43:55 Total: 02:18:10

Niall Casey - Swim: 25:05 Bike: 1:04:40 Run: 46:46 Total: 02:19:25

Niall McCabe- Swim: 27:25 Bike: 1:06:10 Run: 42:29 Total: 02:19:30

Ruaidhri Stewart - Swim: 26:15 Bike: 1:03:50 Run: 50:22 Total: 02:22:51

Colin Cooney- Swim: unavailable Bike: unavailable Run: 49:23 Total: 02:32:31

Declan McCabe - Swim: 30:34 Bike: 1:08:30 Run: 50:40 Total: 02:33:11

Michael Bent- Swim: 26:03 Bike: 1:18:33 Run: 1:08:25 Total: 02:59:04

Frankey Hennessey- Swim: 30:00 Bike: unavailable Run: unavailable Total:03:01:50

Sprint Distance

Robert Kinahan- Swim: 09:30 Bike: 32:29 Run: 22:39 Total: 01:07:20

David Dollard - Swim: 08:51 Bike: 33:31 Run: 22:57 Total: 01:08:18

Derek McEnteggart- Swim: 10:35 Bike: 33:26 Run: 23:34 Total: 01:11:01

Karl Dolan- Swim: 11:29 Bike: 31:10 Run: 28:52 Total: 01:15:47

Barry Casey- Swim: 11:02 Bike: 36:01 Run: 26:28 Total: 01:17:36

Ronan Byrne- Swim: 10:10 Bike: 37:19 Run: 27:30 Total: 01:17:58

Amanda Kinahan - Swim: 12:52 Bike: 37:05 Run: 28:46 Total: 01:23:00

Gavin Ward- Swim: 09:40 Bike: 33:28 Run: 36:30 Total: 01:24:04

Barry Rafferty- Swim: 11:03 Bike: 35:49 Run: 33:56 Total: 01:24:07

Damien Lawrence- Swim: 12:07 Bike: unavailable Run: 30:56 Total: 01:27:44

Conor Crowe- DQ

Mark Rafferty- DQ

Ironman Lanzotote 24th May 08

3.8km Swim, 180km Bike, 42km Run.

Owen Martin   11hr 25mins 21secs  

1:01:37 Swim  6:16:52 Bike   Run 3:48.22

An outstanding performance by Owen given the Increasing temps as the day went on plus the Gael force winds for the complete bike section. Owen's run time is all the more Admirable given that he sprained his ankled exiting the water. "Normal Limits don't apply" 

Half Ironman Austria 24th May 08 1.9km swim. 90KM bike, 21km run

Stephen Carroll    5:04:11 Swim 38:47,  Bike 2:42:57, Run 1:42:17

Niall Mccabe        5:16:25  Swim 41:17, Bike 2:46:19, Run 1:42:21

Ruairi Gogarty     5:19:19  Swim 31:24 Bike 2:39:48 Run 2:02:09

Ronan Greene      5:28:28  Swim 41:10 Bike 2:48:05, Run 1:52:42

DavidDollard        5:33:10  Swim 36:09 Bike 2:51:05 Run 1:56:37

Niall Casey           5:41:54  Swim 38:41 Bike 3:00:11 Run 1:57:41

Well Done to the lads on some terrific performances, organisers were asking questions when Gogs crossed the line commenting that he is a very big 18yr old as this was the catogery he was entered in. More stories may follow when we have a good aul chat about all the crack over the few days away.

Setanta would like to wish all the best to club members competing in Europe this weekend.Owen Martin, Ironman Lanzorote 24th May 3.8km swim, 180km Bike, 42.2km runOwen has dedicated the last 7 months to training specifically for this event and practically lived in his training gear on the mountains, lets hope the gods are kind with the weather and Owens Dedication will pay off.www.ironmanlanzarote.com

Saturday 17th May saw the 3rd running of the Setanta 10 km road run. It was very reassuring to see such a great turnout for the event, with many local fun runners and running clubs supporting the event. We had all levels of fitness from walkers to good club runners. Fortunately the weather stayed dry after a slight scare earlier that morning, in fact the sun came out as the run was about to start to ensure great conditions for the event. From the off the intentions were clear to be seen, with Jim Gonnelly and a small group setting a blistering pace to quickly spread the field. As the kilometres passed the early pace started to show on some of the competitors, gaps were forming and positions were changing quickly. At the front of the field Jim Gonnelly and Brian mc Crystal had got a gap on the rest of the field and it was between 7km and 8km that Jim started to pull away from Brian. This was enough to take Jim home in 1st place in a new course record of 34.17, another great performance by the master. Brian took 2nd place in a time of 34.27, not bad for a guy running a little over a year. Third place went to Ugis Karasevs, in a time of 35mins. The ladies section was dominated by Linda Meehan, with a strong run from the start, finishing in a time of 46.02 Second lady home, with a fantastic performance in her first 10km run was Sinead Hearty in a time of 47.46. Third lady home after a close battle with her sister was Breda Dawe in a time of 52.09. There were lots of individual battles going on throughout the field, jostling for places right to the finish line and P.B.’S being set by many competitors.

Again as in previous years we had lots of first times taking part in the event, so a big well done to everyone for taking part and making the event such a success. With thanks to Blackrock Gardai for their support on the day, The Red Cross first aid crew, all the marshals for their hard work and the Management and staff in Felda Health Fitness for their help and use of the facilities on the day. One for your diary next year!!

Full Results are available by clicking here

Congrats to Annmarie Gaynor and Colin Cooney who completed the Fingal Sprint Triathlon today.

Their times were as follows:

Colin Cooney- Swim: 16:43 Bike: 38:08 Run: 21:28 Total: 1:19:08

Annmarie Gaynor- Swim: 16:58 Bike: 44:03 Run: 22:48 Total: 1:26:28

Blackrock triathlon on 21st June at 13:30 is now open for registration on Active Europe.

To Register for the Triathlon click here 

The Course will be the same as last year, 500m swim in Blackrock, 18km Cycle to Castlebellingham and back and a 6km run around Blackrock.

For those of you trying to beat you time last year you can see results and photos here:

Full Race Results | Before Race Photos | Swim Photos | Cycle Photos | Run Photos | Post Race & Prize Giving 

See you there! 

Setanta annual 10k run is taking place tomorrow.

Registration at Felda Complex 10am race start 12pm €10   

Course:

Start:Dormer Bugalows on Dublin rd, fairways, left at greengates, cocklehill, blackrock main street, take a left at Butchers up sandy lane, take right on to rock road, then take a left at rock road junction towards crescent, out past the golf club, round bad bends take left at Loakers over to Heinz, take left toward crowne plaza, left at Pj's junction, straight up old dublin road, left for golk links, Finish at Felda gates.

There you have it nice easy 10K.......................... Hopefully have maps of course at registration for anyone unfimiliar with it. Remember all sign on money goes to charity. 

Following on from their recent qualifications as affilated swim coaches, Mary Laverty and Aoife Mc Court along with Myles Mc Court are planning to run a further course of lessons in Aura starting 21st May. While these classes are not strictly run by Setanta the coaches have given preference to anyone from the club to sign up, places are limited on a first come first in basis. The coach to pupil ratio is excellent and if the winter pool training is anything to go by these lessons are to be considered by all. Details below from Tri "N" Swim

Tri 'N' Swim school starting Wednesday May 21st. 

Lessons and coaching for adults and children. Children from 6.30 - 7pm and adults from 7 - 8pm.  Childrens lessons restricted to 6 per class. 

For more details please contact

Aoiffe 00447790196792.

Mary 0876423142.

Myles 00447841877277.

There was a great turnout for the 2nd Duathlon on Tuesday. Congrats to all who took part and improved on their previous times.

Results can be viewed here

Santas Little Helpers have been deep in discussions through many gruelling commitee meetings to try and agree on which photos were to be selected to be shown on the website. Santa had great pleasure in choosing the final set of photos.

He ask asked me to point out that Santa is not responsible for any incriminating or embarassing photos that may have found their way to the Setanta website...

View the photos here

Michael from Up and Running Newry is holding an introduction night on Wednesday, 14th May between 6pm and 9pm. The night is exclusively for Setanta & Newry triathlon club members. On the night there will be various offers such as 20% of Mizuno shoes, half price hilly socks and free gait analysis. There will also be 10% of anything else and hi5 and powerbar samples. There will be a free t-shirt to the first 30 from each club and also spot prizes on the night.

It is also hoped to have Matt Wilson down on the night for any advice or tips.

If anyone was interested we could tie it in with a swim in the lake.

Images of the time trial can be found here...

Thanks to Maria O Sullivan for here excellent photography skills!

After a long hard winters training Top local Triathlete Liam Dolan showed his immense talent in a star studded Lisbon Half Ironman. The warm portugese weather only slightly hindered Liam as he set a personal record and probably a national record over the 1.9 k swim, 90k cycle and 21k run. Dolans time of 3hrs 57.25 is an incredible time which saw him finish 24th behind a host of world champions and olympic hopefuls.

His swim of 30.06 was followed by an amazing 2r 8 mins over the 90k course averaging over 42k per hour and then finished with a half marathon time of 1.16.33, this is a fabulous time in a stand alone half marathon never mind following a tough swim and cycle.

Dolan will compete in Ireland over the course of the next month before heading back to the UK halfironman to defend his title.

http://www.dundalkcycling.com/league/2008_League.htm

http://www.dundalkcycling.com/league/2008_Time_Trial_League.htm

Attached to the two links above are the dtails for the 2008 Time trial and Road racing Leauges Organised by Cuchulainn / Setanta. Full requirments to race, maps, schedule of races and start times along with details of handicaps are all included. If you have trouble with these links go to www.dundalkcycling.com and in the column on the right had side of the page you will see the Links for 2008 Leauge and the carrick cycle TT's

Thanks to Karl and the guys in the cycling club for organisition to date hopefully all races will be well supported by both clubs and continue to promote the sports in the area.

Please note there is a clerical error on the Time trial League

It is due to start Tues 29th April not  Today 24th as stated The spreadsheets will be updated to reflect this.

The 1st Duathlon of the year was a great success with 24 athletes competing. We have been ensured that there will be a full race report online tomorrow, although if Utd lose theres not a hope of that.

View the results here

View Photos of the Event Here

Carrick Cycles Time trial League will commence on Tues April 29th.

FPM League starts Thursday May 1st

Full Details will be posted on www.dundalkcycling.com

We will try to keep the Setanta page updated with same information.

THe Setanta run Duathlon series is commencing this evening First competitior sets off a 18:30 sharp. It will be started on a handicap basis most likely in intervals of 30secs to 5 mins depending on ability and experience. The race is open to all.

The run is a 2.6k loop leaving Felda Complex(Transistion) heading towards Sextons take a left at sextons pub then a left for the old golf links road and back to Felda complex then a 16k cycle same as blackrock tri to castlebellingham and back and then a repeat of the run loop. Felda have once again kindly agreed to the use of the car park fopr transistion so all competitiors and spectators are asked to respect the use of the facility is still open to members.

Setanta would also please urge all competitiors and spectators to observe extreme caution on the roads as they are not closed to traffic, in particular the old golf links road outside felda has proved a bottle neck in the past as some public drivers do not care what is going on only that they live in the area so should not be inconvined in anyway. Best of luck to all taking part and anyone that is not please lend a hand with marshalling.

The Calender of Events is now back online, due to, eh, technical difficulties it was removed for some strange reason.

You can download the calender in PDF format and Excel format so you can personalise to your own training and events.

For of all of you thnking we are basking in the sunshine out here, sorry to dissapoint you. We had thuder storms last night and two of the three groups got soaked today. But spirits are still high as the Spa and wellness centre has a strict no clothes policy for the Sauna, thankfully this is not enforced for the ice baths or the lads would be finshed. The so called cheap airlines made their usual killng on the over weight bags and the extortionate prices of the T and Coffee. As per usual messers Gray and Mc Cabe are leading the charge on the road ably assited by rest of the scracth. Group 2 is a lot more conservative with a long term goal of finshing the 6 days training intact. The coffee and bun brigade are flat out checking the latest addtions to the spanish market. 90Km was the average covered by all today with a good split of all three disciplines due to start tomorrow. Bed early now for all and hoepfully no winds howling through the corridors tonight. 140 km planned for bikers tomorrow. The hotel catering department has already had to send for supplies based on the first day at the evening sitting hardly surprising considering avg visit to the counters was proabably 5 per person per course. Hopefully back to you tomorrow evening with the latest.

We were considering an end of year trip for anyone interested. The proposed trip would be to Royan on the west coast of France. The flights would leave Saturday Sept 13 from Dublin to La Rochelle, returning on Tuesday 16th of September. At present the flights are 100 euro return. The reason for going to Royan is that on Sunday September 14th the Royan Triathlon takes place. There are 2 races a Sprint triathlon and a Super sprint.

The sprint is 750m sea swim followed by a 22k flat cycle and a 5k run. Royan is famous for its long sandy beach and this is where the run takes place. This is the appeal of the race in France and it makes it quite tough. Wetsuits are allowed in the swim. The Super sprint race is 350m sea swim, 11 k cycle and a 2.5k beach run.

We have been in contact with the triathlon club in Royan and they would love for some Irish triathletes to compete in their race.

The proposed accomodation would be mobile homes in the nearby bois-soleil campsite. Anyone who hasn't been to a campsite in Europe need not panic as they have fabulous facilities ,including swimming pools, restaurants , bars and many sporting facilities. A mobile home must be rented for a week saturday to saturday and costs 180euro for 4 people sharing. Therefore if anyone wanted to stay for the week they are more than welcome. The campsite can be seen at www.bois-soleil.com Therefore the cost per person is about 145 euro before transfers/car hire and getting our bike boxes there.

The cost of the above would depend on numbers travelling. It is about 60euro return for a bike box. We would then have to hire a van to transport them to site and some cars or just hire a bus. The alternative is for someone to take a van on the ferry with the bike boxes onboard. This would mean leaving on the Thursday(11th) and returning on Tuesday 16th. If anyone was willing to do this his/her trip cost would be split between others going. That would be about 50euro if there were 10 interested in going.

The race date has changed recently and now clashes with groomsport half ironman, originally it was scheduled for previous weekend so apologies to anyone affected by the date change. If you have any interest in going or finding out more about the race or trip please post your name on the message board under club news.

Monday 8th January brought the second swim training sessions to an end. Many thanks to Myles, Aoife & Aaron for their excellent help and assistance over the previous 10 weeks. These sessions have definitely brought everyone on and will allow so many more people compete in triathlons this year. The results of the time trials can be found here.