Members of Athy Triathlon Club gearing up to take part in challenging 'Ironman Triathlon' in Barcelona in 5 weeks to raise money for local charities

By Kim O'Leary

A 21-strong team from Athy Triathlon Club is gearing up to conquer the 'Ironman Triathlon' in Barcelona in Spain this October as they aim to raise a total of €25,000 for local charities including Athy Lions Club, the Peter McVerry Trust and Mental Health Ireland.

The 'Ironman Triathlon' is one of the greatest and most challenging one day races for amateur endurance enthusiasts and it consists of a 3.8km Swim followed by 180km Bike and finally a 42km Run, and members of Athy Triathlon Club will take part in the event this October 7, 2018 in Barcelona.

The members of Athy Triathlon Club have have committed themselves to training for the upcoming event with the aim of making a difference in society. For 17 members of the team, it will be their first and biggest sporting accomplishment and for all 21 members it is a unique opportunity to be part of a collective effort to raise funds for a select number of chosen charities.

[caption id="attachment_245243" align="alignnone" width="286"] The camaraderie and team spirit has helped the members of Athy Triathlon Club in their training this past year[/caption]

Athy Triathlon Club decided to take on the charity fundraising charity challenge and it the idea to raise money for charities came from member Eamonn McEntee.

Ahead of the Ironman Triathlon, member of Athy Triathlon Deirdre Walsh said that the slogan amongst members is 'Anything is Possible.'

She said:"Through the gruelling hours of training over the past year each member was determined, dedicated and committed. The camaraderie and team spirit is energising it gives you that extra motivation to keep going or inspires you to push that bit harder. Our triathlon Club in Athy will be the biggest representation from a club in Europe. We are certainly proud of that and hope to do our club and country proud. Athy Triathlon Club is one of the friendliest supportive clubs catering for adults and children and all abilities and ages."

Meanwhile, Athy Triathlon Club will be holding another fundraising event on Saturday 16 September, and they are also looking for more sponsors as they prepare to take part in the challenging Ironman Triathlon.

For more information visit the Athy Triathlon Club Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/athytriteam/