Local competitors in Kilkee triathlon

THERE will be huge Kilrush and West Clare interest in this Saturday’s Hell of the West Triathlon in Kilkee.Organised by the Limerick Triathlon Club, approximately 20 local people will be taking part in either the whole event or as part of a relay team. In previous years, there was very low participation from the West Clare area in the event.
The Hell of the West is regarded as one of the toughest Olympic triathlon races in Ireland. It first took place in the summer of 1983, when approximately 40 athletes competed.
More than 800 competitors from all over Ireland are expected to participate this weekend and it will again be part of Ireland’s national series race calendar. It will consist of a 1,500m swim in Kilkee Bay, a 45km cycle over the West Clare hills to Doonbeg and a 10km run around the cliffs in Kilkee, via the Dunlicky Road.
Some of the Kilrush or West Clare people participating include Eileen Mulcahy, Nikki Harvey, Joanna Shalloo, Kevin Shalloo, Betty Kelly, Cillian Murphy, John Cahill, Ian Lynch, Tommy Murphy, Paul Griffin, Jason Hanrahan, John Cahill, Mark Reidy, Liam Coffey, June Brew, David Brew, Alan Howard, John Power, Gordon Drummey and Martin Busher.
Cyclists will be on the road from 10.30am. Cillian Murphy, who was race director last year and has taken part in numerous triathlons, has appealed to people to tie up their dogs and not to take their tractors or cars on to the road during the event.
“We would ask people to tie up their dogs for the morning while the race is on. Also, if people could try and keep the roads reasonably clear of heavy machinery, that would be a great help,” the Kilkee man added.
Most of the local competitors have triathlon experience, although not all have experienced the Hell of the West. Among those taking part is Kilrush Town Councillor Ian Lynch, who is due to be elected Mayor of Kilrush on Monday evening.