Carrick-on-Suir Triathlon Club members excel at Barry McCarthy Swim Races
The River Suir swim races in aid of South Tipperary Hospice Movement took place in Carrick-on-Suir last Saturday, and it was a thrilling display of athletic prowess. The Barry McCarthy Memorial Charity Swims attracted swimmers and triathletes from across Munster and neighbouring Kilkenny, all vying for top honours in the Mediterranean weather conditions. This annual event, hosted by the Carrick-on-Suir Triathlon Club, is a testament to the club's dedication to promoting charity and athletic excellence.
The highlight of the day was the performance of Dylan Thomas and Stephanie Keating, who dominated the competition, each winning two races. Their success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Carrick Triathlon Club members, who have been training tirelessly for the upcoming Carrick-on-Suir Sprint Triathlon. The club's commitment to charity is also evident, as the event has raised over €2,000 for South Tipperary Hospice so far.
The race results were as follows:
1,500m men:
- 1st Brian O'Donnell, Kilkenny Masters
- 2nd Dylan Thomas, Sean Kelly Sports Centre
- 3rd Pat Young, Kilkenny Tri Club
1,500m women:
- 1st Stephanie Keating, Carrick Triathlon Club
- 2nd Collette Keating, Carrick Triathlon Club
- 3rd Mary McGeoghan
750m men:
- 1st Dylan Thomas
- 2nd Pat Young
- 3rd Eoghan Power, Carrick Triathlon Club
750m women:
- 1st Collette Keating
- 2nd Siobhan Hahessy, Waterford Crystal
- 3rd Shauna Twomey, Carrick Triathlon Club
500m men:
- 1st Dylan Thomas
- 2nd Pat Young
- 3rd Robin Newsome
500m women:
- 1st Stephanie Keating
- 2nd Collette Keating
- 3rd Siobhan Hahessy
The event was made possible by the support of local businesses, including Orafol Waterford and David Skelly of Carrick's Sean Kelly Sports Centre. The First Aid volunteers and kayakers provided essential health and safety cover, ensuring the event ran smoothly. Garry McCarthy, the twin brother of the late Barry McCarthy, expressed his gratitude to all who contributed to the success of the event, highlighting the positive impact it has had on the community and the important cause it supports.
In my opinion, the Barry McCarthy Swim Races are a testament to the power of community and athletic excellence. The event brings together athletes from diverse backgrounds, fostering a sense of camaraderie and competition. The success of the Carrick-on-Suir Triathlon Club members is a reflection of their hard work and dedication, and their triumph in the face of challenging conditions is inspiring. The event's charitable aspect is also commendable, as it raises funds for a worthy cause, showcasing the club's commitment to making a positive impact beyond the pool.
As the Carrick-on-Suir Sprint Triathlon approaches, the club's success in the Barry McCarthy Swim Races bodes well for their future endeavours. The event has undoubtedly boosted their morale and confidence, and I am confident that they will continue to excel and make their mark in the world of triathlon.