A group of five present and past swimmers from Castlebar Swimming Club, Katie Tuohy (NUI Maynooth ), James Caulfield (NUI Galway ), Conal Joyce (Dublin IT ), James Sweeney and Sarah Caulfield (UCD ), took part in the Irish Swimming and Lifesaving Intervarsities in Kilkenny, each representing his/her respective colleges. The event, hosted by NUI Maynooth (NUIM ), proved to be a great success with most of the universities and institutes of technology present. For the course of this event the Castlebar swimmers had to set aside their club loyalties, and in Sarah and James Caulfield’s case family loyalty and give it their all for their colleges. Friday evening saw the start of the competition with the swimming heats and what a start it proved to be. Competition was fierce with many national champions in attendance including Olympian Aisling Cooney (UCD ). However, the Castlebar crew held their own and in some cases raced against each other in the same events to reach the finals session on Saturday morning.
Swimming
Ballina Dolphins Swimming Club caters for children from four years upwards. It will hold teaching classes on Thursday evening from 6pm to 8pm. Each class lasts 30 minutes. Anyone interested should contact Bridie on 086 6036920.
Mayo Cycling league
Round one of the Mayo League will take place in Ballinrobe on Sunday March 13. This is a 71k handicap event. Starting at Tesco's carpark on the Claremorris road Ballinrobe en-route to Claremorris, turning left for Castlebar and left again in Castlebar for Ballinrobe, and finishing at the racecourse 2k from the town of Ballinrobe. Sign on opens from 9.15am closing sharply at 10.15 from the Cycling Centre on the Kilmaine road in Ballinrobe. The first group will leave Tesco at 10.30am sharp, as a train crosses at Manulla junction at 11.45ish. To participate all competitors must either have an open racing licence or club racing licence. Club racing licence holders can buy a race number that will do them in all the league races held in Connacht throughout 2011, as they do not get one from Cycling Ireland.
The cost is €5 and they can be paid on the day at sign on, competitors need to allow extra time for this, as no entries will be taken after 10.15am regardless of excuses.
A big crowd is expected so arrive prepared. Refreshments will be served at the cycling Centre afterwards.
Harlequin Adventure Duathlon
The Harlequin Adventure Duathlon will take place on March 26 in association with the Harlequin Hotel in Castlebar is organised by two of our most experienced event organisers and reputable coaches Padraic Marrey and Sebastien Locteau. Their experience in sports will guarantee a successful event. The Duathlon Adventure Race consists of a 4km run starting from the Harlequin Hotel in Castlebar via Lough Lannagh village to St Pats School on the Rathbawn road. Athletes will take their bikes and will cycle 7k one of the hilliest route out the Rathbawn road towards Glen island. But this will only be the start of their venture; they will then leave their bike to attempt to run up a 4km ascending mountain to the Castlebar Mast on a scenic but technical trail. The athletes will come back to get their bike and will cycle 15k towards Glen Island and then back to Castlebar via Newport/ Castlebar Road. They will finish by a 3k run in through Lough Lannagh to the finish line at The Harlequin hotel. There are prizes for 1st to 6th places as well as 1st junior male/female and over 40s and over 50s. The prizes are been sponsored by Marrey Bikes, Ballinrobe and Exposure , Castlebar. Entry Fee €50, including refreshments and water and fruit. Registration on www.runireland.com or contact Padraic on 087 7992857.
