Athlone Triathlon Club again chosen as Club of the Year
Athlone Triathlon Club was named Triathlon Ireland ‘Club of the Year’ for a consecutive year at the Triathlon Ireland Awards held in the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road, Dublin, on Saturday night.
In doing so, the club created history, becoming the first triathlon club to claim the award in successive years.
In a social media post reflecting on the achievement, Athlone Triathlon Club chairperson Laura Kelly said the “incredible achievement” was “proof that hard work, shared values and community spirit truly pays off”.
“We are the first club to receive this honour consecutively which is a moment of immense pride for our club,” said Laura, who paid tribute to everyone involved in the club.
“Our success hasn’t been built overnight or on numbers alone. It has been shaped by those who show up, support one another and bring energy and kindness to every swim, cycle and run. Athlone Tri Club has grown organically, through inclusion, friendship and a belief that everyone belongs.
"To every member, coach, volunteer and supporter, this award belongs to you. You are the heartbeat of this club and the reason we continue to thrive,” Laura continued.
The chairperson also thanked Triathlon Ireland for the “incredible recognition” and for “all you do to grow and inspire our sport nationwide”.
“It is an honour to represent our sport and community in this way,” Laura added.
The club has also acknowledged its members who were recognised with National Championship Age Group medals across Aquathlon and Triathlon events at the Triathlon Ireland Awards.
"We had a fantastic turnout at our very own National Championship Aquathlon, with loads of members bringing home age group medals. Massive congratulations to Cian Norris, Sinéad Greene, Áine Gilhooly, Diarmuid Connon, Joseph Ward, Kevin Molloy, Andy McNamara, James Duffy, Éilis Treacy, Samuel Fox, Colette Finneran, Mark Featherstone, Patrick Greene, Tom Dully, Patrick Fox, and Maeve O’Reilly," said Athlone Triathlon Club.
"Special mention to Cian Norris, who finished 2nd in the male category of the Junior National Championship Aquathlon; and Sinead Greene, who finished third female.
"A huge well done to Joshua Schnell, who was awarded first in his Age Group at both the Standard Distance National Championships (Top of the Mourne Triathlon) and the Middle Distance National Championships (Tri Tyrone). Congratulations to John Joyce, who received an award for 3rd in his Age Group at the Sprint Distance National Championship (Two Provinces Triathlon).
"An incredible night celebrating the hard work and achievements of our athletes," the club added.