McCloskey’s superb swim not enough for overall win
RAYMOND BYRNE claimed the Sligo Triathlon Club Sprint distance title at Rosses Point last Sunday.
Byrne saw off the challenge of fellow Tri Club members Ciaran McCloskey ( 1.01.41) and Colm Casey ( 1.02.08) to win.
The ladies event went to 24/ 7 Letterkenny triathlete, Christine Russell. She clocked 1.06.56. Christine finished ahead of Orla Montague, in 1.07.17, and Lorraine Carey of Ballina in 1.07.33.
Lorraine picked up a costly one minute penalty.
Conditions were ideal for the 230 competitors taking part as the Triathlon once more returned to its spiritual home.
The 750m swim set off in two wavesindividual and relay- from the second beach.
Swimmers said the water was warmer than it had been last year.
Eighteen- year- old Ciaran McCloskey set a blistering pace and completed the swim in 8.20.
He was followed out of the water by Declan Martin, also of Sligo Tri Club.
Ciaran was chased down by Colm Casey and Ray Byrne as the picture at the front of the field was to change.
It was neck and neck between Casey and Byrne for a time, but Byrne produced a strong run to claim the win and get home under the hour in 59.25.
Raymond is the son of well- known Triathlete, Declan Byrne, who also competed in Sunday’s event.
He said afterwards: “I was delighted to win. I come from a running background, but would be good in all three disciplines.”
Brian Sexton was 4th ( 1.02.14) and David Doherty 5th ( 1.03.03)
Ken Foley of the Cordners Shoes relay team came home for a time of 1.07.54 as his team were first to cross the line.
EIGHTEEN- YEAR- OLD Ciaran McCloskey posted one of the fastest times on record for a sprint distance swim at Rosses Point.
Yet, his 8.20 wasn’t enough to see him go on and win the title.
Rather, he finished an excellent runner- up to fellow Sligo Triathlon Club colleague Raymond Byrne.
McCloskey, from nearby Ballincar, set a blistering pace as the swimmers made their way from the second beach to the first.
He brought the first wave of individual swimmers home to set off on the cycle in the lead, but he was to be overhauled by Byrne
Ciaran said: “I had a really good swim.
“I felt fine after it.
“The cycle was pretty comfortable for me, but Ray caught me at the turn at Cartron.
“The run was fine too, but the beach took a lot out of the legs, I found. This is my 4th Triathlon and I’m happy to finish second.
“It was a good event and the conditions couldn’t really have been any better.”