Ireman 226 Challenge & Half Ireman 2009


This summer, for the first time in nine years, someone has actually been crowned Ireman – but no mythology here, only the performances of Fergus McGirr and Christine McCann could be described as legendary! Two of Enniskillen’s finest reign supreme.

Groomsport hosted its annual Half Ireman middle distance triathlon in addition to the Ireman 226 Challenge over the classic Ironman distance. Triangle Triathlon Club first organised this longer race in Benone back in 2000, so after a nine year break it re-emerged onto the calendar.

A resolute band of twenty 226 Challenge athletes took to the calm, sheltered waters of Belfast Lough under a rising sun only after a rendition of Happy Birthday for Bryce Irvine who knew that this was the best possible way to celebrate turning 40. The candles helped in the early morning gloom and the cake was put to use at an aid station!

After four laps, returning onto the beach each time, Jeremy Martin was first into transition just after the hour mark. He was closely followed by a group of four. The six lap bike course was now to prove testing as the wind strengthened during the day.

While the 226 athletes were been looked after on the bike, the Half Ireman competitors took to the water. Olympian’s Alistair Duffield had an amazing swim to emerge nearly four minutes clear of Lincoln’s Peter McCrory. Alistair would subsequently remain dominant for the rest of the day. Serpentine’s Claire Gillvray was first lady to hit dry land with a two minute lead over Scotland’s Kelda Spratt and Limerick’s Alison Ledger.

The weather then changed dramatically and as the rain pelted down, the first batch of 226 competitors returned to T2. Even at this stage, McGirr, Edinburgh’s Dermot Bailie and Dungannon’s Michael Holland looked like being the medallists.

Out on the bike course, both races were facing torrential rain and standing water. Duffield posted the fastest bike spilt to move further clear of the field, while McCrory and Triangle’s own Ronnie Kidd tried to close the gap. The girls retained their positions throughout the bike leg as they opened a gap on the rest of the field.

The Half Ireman was to finish first with Duffield posting the fastest splits across all three disciplines to cross the line in 4:34. It was thirteen minutes before McCrory claimed second spot with Kidd finishing another seven minutes back. Despite a great run in the ladies race, Spratt could not close the gap enough and Gillvray took the honours in 5:23. Spratt repeated her second place of last year and Claire Duffield moved through on the run to make it a successful family day out by claiming third.

Some people had suggested that a marathon distance run could not be held on this testing course but Fergus McGirr thought otherwise as he posted a stunning 3:32 marathon time to cross the finish line in 10:24:04. Being interviewed afterwards he appeared totally unfazed and gave the impression that there was more in the locker. Bailie finished strongly in 11:07 to claim a second Scottish silver of the day and Holland held on for his third placing. Christine McCann was the only woman brave enough to tackle this race and she finished superbly in 13:25 to take her title. Special credit is given to all these athletes for not just beating the course but also for sharing their thoughts when being interviewed at the finish line. This can be a very emotional time and they handled it superbly as they provided some fascinating insight for spectators.

As the light faded and the floodlights came on, the action was far from finished. We even had a marriage proposal as Bob Davison crossed the line and popped the question to girlfriend Grace. To the relief of the large crowd gathered, she accepted. Our best wishes go to them both.

After a gruelling 14:34 out on the course our last competitor was to become an Ironman. Having been accompanied by a marshal for his last

Right, its time I let all those bollixs in the swimming pool that jump in in the tyrone shorts or the ni soccer team shorts and see either myself or Kris swimming up and down doin our training, and then in their wisdom decide to race us over 1 measley length to STOP annoying our shite!
Do youreally think u are going to beat us??? the awnser is NO!!! NOT EVER EVER EVER!!! SO please ake my advice and go drown urself in the deep end to allievate your shame of being beaten and beaten well in all cases*

*Unless ur Michael Phelps swimming inTyrone Shorts in Omagh Pool.

1. In 1975, Doug Scott and Doug Haston survived an unplanned nights sleep at 28,750 ft just below the summit of M. Everest! The only people to ever complete this feat, and remained intacked with no frostbite, just a bit hungry! Legendary!

2. 6 time Ironman world champion Dave Scott goes head to head with Mark Allen in the 1989 race! A legendary race see it here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvOIR....

3. AJ Foyt, one of the last true drivers, won the indy 500 4times and countless other races including lemans 24hr.

4. Chris Mc Cormack, Ironman world champ afraid of no one, or anything and not afraid to dream big!

5. Sir Randulph Finnes, extrordinary explorer in artic conditions.

6. Sir Robin Knox - Johnston, first man to sail SINGLE HANDED AROUND THE WORLD! Think about that!

7. Robin Seymour, Irish MTB Rider, true hardman 16 time Irish MTB Champ, honest and most of all rides clean! unlike most!

8. Tyrone and Mickey Harte, A lesson in prepration and belife in a team spirit, they never miss an oppertunity to upset the favourites!

9. Fell Runners, Amazing agility, balance and control of their feet and bodies! worth a watch you wont be dissapointed, I was amazed at the speed in which they desend the steepest of mountains, and they are all down to earth.

10. People who try and never quit even when the going gets tough, even if they come last, I still have enormus respect, they are the true heart of sport!