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Jack L to sing at celebratory TriAthy concert hosted by Dooley Groupbigger! Just two years after its initial launch, Ireland’s biggest annual triathlon event is proving more popular than ever thanks to a record level of entries for the 2009 Dooley TriAthy.
With over 2,300 entries now confirmed for the event in Athy, Co. Kildare on Saturday May 30th next, the total number of registered entries for this year’s event has already smashed the record 1,374 entries set by last year’s event. And with entries still pouring in at the rate of over 30 a day, organisers are confident that all 2,500 available places will soon be taken up.
To celebrate the tremendous growth of the event, singer Jack L will perform at a post-triathlon concert in the town centre on the evening of Saturday 30th May, organised by main sponsor the Dooley Group.
The concert venue on the banks of the River Barrow in the grounds of White Castle is an appropriate setting, as earlier in the day the historic Tudor period castle – in centuries past the focus of many wars and sieges– will provide the backdrop for a battle of the sporting variety, with hundreds of competitors taking part in both the Dooley TriAthy Sprint and Olympic events.
Jointly organised by the Trilogy (Portlaoise) and Belpark (Dublin) Triathlon Clubs, full details of the 2009 Dooley TriAthy were announced at a reception (Wednesday 6th May) at Athy’s new swimming pool and leisure centre.
“The fact that TriAthy has come so far in such a short time reflects the huge growth in the sport in Ireland over recent years. For people who want to maintain their fitness and enjoy their sport, the combination of three different disciplines has great appeal to people from a range of different sporting backgrounds. For people enjoying the sport at that level, the sprint events are a great way to test themselves,” says Arthur Lynch of the Dooley TriAthy Organising team.
“For those competing at the professional level, our Olympic events have firmly established TriAthy as a key date on the triathlon calendar for top triathletes from both Ireland and abroad.”
According to Event Director and former Irish Champion Brian Crinion, all eyes will this year be on defending champion Fraser Cartmell (Scotland), who last year not only smashed the Irish all-comers record, but set the fastest Olympic distance time in Western Europe by crossing the finish line in a time of 1:47:35.
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“This year Cartmell will be back again to race against Ireland’s number one male triathlete Gavin Noble. Both have been training together in South Africa over the winter months, so will be well aware of each other’s strengths and weaknesses,” he says.
Brian believes the women’s race it’s wide open. He points out that while the smart money may be on World Duathlon Champion Catriona Morrison (Scotland), she will face a stern challenge from Ireland’s rising star in Aileen Morrison (no relation), who recently finished 6th in a competitive field at International Triathlon Union race in Portugal.
“Every aspect of this course has been built for speed, from the flat, straight, tree sheltered bike and run courses, to the transitions, which Rich Stannard (England) raced through in 30 seconds,” Brian adds.
According to Arthur Lynch, a key factor in the success of the Dooley TriAthy is its standing as one of the fastest events on the triathlon calendar, with more than half of participants reporting that they completed the event in a personal best time.
The 2009 Dooley TriAthy is divided into two triathlon events. The Sprint is aimed at newcomers to the sport and comprises a 750m swim, 20km cycle and a 5km run. The Olympic is aimed at Intermediate and Elite Triathletes and comprises a 1500m swim, a 40k cycle and a 10k run. Competitors can participate either as individuals, or on a relay team basis.
As well as being one of the country’s fastest growing triathlon events, the 2009 Dooley TriAthy is also one of the fastest and most competitor friendly thanks to an emphasis on downstream swimming and rapid changeover from one discipline to another.
Gabriel Dooley, Chairman and Managing Director of the Dooley Group of franchised estate agent offices and himself a daily swimmer, says that his company is firmly committed to their sponsorship of the event.
“Since it began, I have been hugely impressed by the enthusiasm, professionalism and dedication of the organising team and we are delighted to play our part by providing sponsorship support,” he says. “As a native of Athy, I am also very pleased to be in a position to help secure the event for the town.”
The 2009 Dooley TriAthy takes place on Saturday 30th May 2009 next. For full details of the event, or to enter, visit: www.triathy.com
Jack L, himself a native of Athy, will perform at White Castle on the evening of Saturday 30th May in the grounds of White Castle, with supporting artists Amy Leonard and Martin Conroy. To book tickets, visit: www.triathygig.com
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Issued on behalf of the Dooley Group by CN Media
For further information, contact:
Jan van Embden Tel: + 353 (0) 1 282 9853 Mob: + 353 (0) 87 6816 511 Email: [email protected]
Arthur Lynch Mob: +353 (0) 86 2355 752 Email: [email protected]
Brian Crinion Mob: +353 (0) 87 9257 682 Email: [email protected]
