"If you dont like the weather in Ireland, just wait a few minutes..."
That old hackneyed phrase seemed to take on a life of its own on Monday evening, as over 50 competitors togged out at the bathing slip in Fenit expecting cloudy, cool and breezy conditions but were instead met with blue skies, plenty of sunshine and only a light breeze off the shore and the dying embers of the incoming tide to make things interesting on the return leg of the course.
We were delighted with such a strong turnout on the night as this event had to be called on short notice: the weather for Wednesday was looking very poor, while the outlook for the rest of the week was deteriorating by the day. Being agile and able to respond quickly to windows of favourable weather will allow us to have a full and balanced program of events throughout the season - and we really appreciate the support members have shown so far.
John Fox organised the check-in process, while I stamped competitors with their respective competitor numbers. Our intrepid kayakers got themselves ready and into the water while Antoinette Boyd assembled the large group of competitors to explain our safety processes, the nights course and the starting order. The 1000m timed event went off first, with by far the largest cohort of over 30 swimmers, followed a minute later by the untimed traversal of the same course, before the 450m competitors started their event.
The 1000m timed event was led out from the start by Ger Pierce, Padraig Kelly and Noel Cronin. The main group remained in tight formation until the third buoy, when a noticeable "stringing out" was evident. As they rounded buoy 2 towards home, the finishing order was being established. A fine performance by Becky Pinkheard saw her keep the top 3 firmly in her sights, right to the finish. Paul O'Dononghue put in another solid performance, only a minute behind. Next up was a repeat of last weeks finish - with Sandra Byrne and Emer McDonnell neck and neck right to the finish. Rosie Foley, Frank Ryan and Noel Hilliard were other notable strong finishes. Ben Goodbody had a great first race, finishing in a respectable 16th, being narrowly beaten by Shane O'Brien who was clearly back in form.
The handicap adjusted results revealed an excellent performance by Vicki Young, closely followed by Paula Mannix and Deirdre O'Shea. After handicap, Noel Cronin came out on top over Ger and Padraig.
Maura Hayes took charge of the prize giving, presenting awards kindly provided by our event sponsor Hugh Culloty Music store in the Mall, Tralee. We also had a family pass sponsored by the Aquadome, which was drawn at random. Prizes awarded to:
1 | Timed 1000m (H/C) 1st Place | Vicky Young |
2 | Timed 1000m (H/C) 2nd Place | Paula Mannix |
3 | Timed 1000m (H/C) 3rd Place | Deirdre O'Shea |
* | Non- Timed 1000m Winner | Mary Deane |
* | Half Distance - Winner | Conor Coffee |
* | Top Volunteer | Ailish Brosnan |
* | Aquadome Voucher (Draw) | Lisa Hanley |
Once again, none of this could have taken place without the generous volunteers who give up their time for us. Our Kayakers, led by Gerry Gallagher, included Martin Boyd, Eithne Greaney, Ailish Brosnan, Dave Smith, Sharon Browne, Brendan O'Conner, Gill Finucane, Janice Tucker and Raymond Hanley. Race director was Maura Hayes, Safety Officer was Gerry Gallagher. Rose looked after the crisps and pop, Mairead and Fionola on timing and everyone who helped, especially Colleen shields for the great photos.
Next race will be the week of the 24th June, details to follow.
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