Join Keith Duffy at IRONMAN 70.3 to help raise funds for Irish Autism Action. Keith Duffy has announced that he plans to take part in IRONMAN 70.3 Ireland for a second year, having taken part in the inaugural event last September. This year’s event takes place in Galway on Sunday 2nd September 2012, and Keith will be racing as part of ‘TEAM DUFFY’ to raise funds for Irish Autism Action, of which he is patron. Keith began his efforts to raise awareness after his own daughter Mia was diagnosed with autism. Keith Duffy is delighted to represent Irish Autism Action as their patron and he is encouraging people to join TEAM DUFFY for the 2012 event. To find out more about how to join Keith and to be a part of TEAM DUFFY , email Philip Whelan of Irish Autism Action at [email protected] or by phoning (Ireland) 044 9342576.
Funds raised by Keith and the rest of Team Duffy will go towards supporting autism services in Ireland. For further information, visit their website on www.autismireland.ie. TEAM DUFFY includes Keith Duffy, Kathryn Thomas, Keith Barry, Brian Kennedy, Matt Cooper, Roseanna Davidson,Ray D’Arcy and Gráinne and Sile Seoige
Last year the inaugural race saw a range of athletes from across the world competing alongside Keith and TEAM DUFFY, with many familiar Ironman names including Lucy Gossage and Rachel Joyce on the starting line, The race also offers qualifying slots for the 70.3 World Championship in Las Vegas which appeals to competitive age groupers, eager to get an opportunity to race for their country.
The iconic race begins with a 1.9k swim in Galway Bay before being followed by a scenic 90K bike course on the gateway route of Connemara. The 21.1km run follows through Galway and Salthill, passing a number of local landmarks along the way, enabling the athletes to take in some of the beautiful surrounding scenery of the Irish countryside.
Keith Duffy is renowned for his tireless campaigning and fundraising work for Irish Autism Action.
In 2011, Keith and Team Duffy managed to raise a staggering €40,000 for the charity by competing in Ironman 70.3. He said, “I can’t wait for the challenge of taking on IRONMAN 70.3 Ireland for the second year in a row – I have some unfinished business and want to achieve an even better result this year. It is an amazing opportunity to take part in such an iconic race held on our own soil. It really adds to the appeal of the event for me.” He continued “I’m delighted to represent Irish Autism Action as their patron and encourage people to join TEAM DUFFY for the 2012 event. I look forward to seeing you all over there in September. Bring it on!”
Eoin McCormack, of E&R event organisers of IRONMAN 70.3 IRELAND , “We are really excited to be welcoming back Keith for a second year to race IRONMAN 70.3 Ireland. He is a great ambassador for our sport and his fundraising work is hugely admirable.” He continues, “We welcome a wide range of athletes at the event, from those doing their first 70.3 race to internationally renowned competitors. This is a great chance to get involved in a scenic and challenging race towards the end of the 2012 season and we hope you will come and join Keith this September.”
To find out more about how to join Keith and to be a part of TEAM DUFFY , email Philip Whelan of Irish Autism Action at [email protected] or by phoning (Ireland) 044 9342576.
More information about the race itself, along with details of how to enter can be found by visiting www.ironmanireland.com
Charity info:
Irish Autism Action is a young dynamic, innovative, and passionate organisation formed in 2001 which is bringing positive change to the lives of those affected by autism by providing help, hope, and answers. The range of services which Irish Autism Action provides includes awareness raising, early detection diagnosis, education support, advocacy, counselling, helpline, home based support, transition planning, social housing, research information and advice for families upon receiving diagnosis.
Funds raised by Keith and the rest of Team Duffy will go towards supporting autism services in Ireland. For further information, visit their website on www.autismireland.ie
