Local Triathlon Club members represent Ireland at European Championships
Athlone Triathlon Club was proudly represented on the international stage when 15 of its members represented Ireland at the 2026 European Multisport Championships in Banyoles, Spain.
Set on the shores of the famous Lake Banyoles, athletes faced challenging conditions with temperatures reaching 37°C. Warm water temperatures also resulted in a wetsuit ban, before competitors tackled a 1,000m open water swim followed immediately by a 5km run against some of Europe’s best age-group athletes.
Representing Ireland at the Championships were Aoife Greene, Ciara Greene, Eoghan Cunningham, Diarmuid Connon, Sinéad Greene, Andy McNamara, Aoife Mulry, Maeve O’Reilly, Lynette Costello, Éilis Treacy, Rachel Gillivan, Colette Finneran, Patrick Fox, Patrick Greene and Tom Dully.
The achievement reflects the dedication of athletes who have spent months, and in many cases years, balancing training with everyday life. The Athlone team represented a cross-section of the community, including teachers, lecturers, coaches, healthcare professionals, business owners, parents and retirees, each following a different path to earn the privilege of wearing the Irish tri-suit.
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Andy McNamara and Diarmuid Connon are pictured following the completion of their event at the European Multisport Championships in SpainImage 2 of 4
Rosemount’s Pat Fox is pictured with his wife Assumpta at the European Multisports Championships in SpainImage 3 of 4
Athlone Triathlon Club members prouldy represented Ireland at the European Multisports Cham-Championships in Spain. Left to right, Éilis Treacy, Colette Finneran, Maeve O’Reilly, Aoife Mulry, Tom Dully, Lynette Costello, Pat Fox, Rachel GillivanImage 4 of 4
Athlone Triathlon Club member Josh Schnell is pictured following his recent Sprint Plus race success at Lough CutraAthlone Triathlon Club Chairperson Laura Kelly said the weekend was a hugely proud moment for the club.
“Seeing 15 Athlone Triathlon Club members represent Ireland on the European stage has been an incredibly proud moment for our club. These aren’t just athletes, they are our training partners, our volunteers and, for many of us, our friends. Watching them realise a dream and represent both Ireland and Athlone has been incredibly special.
"In just under two weeks’ time our volunteers will once again come together to host the National Championships Aquathlon in Athlone. It’s a huge undertaking, but weekends like this remind us exactly why we do it. We hope this year’s event gives another group of athletes the opportunity to one day stand on an international start line wearing the Irish tri-suit," Laura said.
Many of the Athlone athletes earned their place in Banyoles through the National Championships Aquathlon, hosted by Athlone Triathlon Club last year.
The club will once again welcome the country’s top aquathlon athletes to Athlone on August 2, as part of the Athlone River Festival where competitors will chase national titles and the chance to qualify for future international championships.
"For Athlone Triathlon Club, the performances in Banyoles were about far more than race results. They were a celebration of dedication, community and the power of volunteer-led sport to create opportunities for athletes to achieve something truly special," Laura concluded.
Schnell Claims National Title
In further positive news for the club, member Josh Schnell claimed the Under-24 national title at the Two Provinces Non-Drafting Sprint Triathlon National Championships.
Josh produced an impressive performance to not only secure the U24 gold medal but also finish inside the overall top ten in a highly competitive national field, underlining his status as one of Ireland’s most promising young triathletes.
The national title continues a superb season for Josh, who recently won the Sprint Plus race at Lough Cutra before travelling to Spain to represent Ireland at the European Standard Distance Triathlon Championships in Tarragona, where he achieved an excellent 8th place finish in the 20–24 age group.
Originally from Cushendall, Co. Antrim, Josh is currently studying Sports and Business Management at TUS Athlone. Alongside his own racing, he is an active member of Athlone Triathlon Club’s coaching team, sharing his knowledge and experience with athletes of all abilities.
Athlone Triathlon Club Chairperson Laura Kelly congratulated Josh on another milestone in an exceptional season.
“Josh’s commitment to the sport is evident in everything he does, whether he’s racing at the highest level or giving his time to coach others in the club. To win a National Championship and back it up with the consistency he’s shown throughout the season is a fantastic achievement.
“We’re incredibly proud to have Josh representing Athlone Triathlon Club and look forward to seeing what the future holds for him," Laura said.