This article is from page 30 of the 2009-05-12 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 30 JPG
MODERN-DAY warriors will march through the mists of time in Killaloe this summer to contend for NOUN CeN ONO A CO
On August 8, hundreds of tri-ath- letes will contest the title Ard Ri on territory adjacent to the ‘Forth of Brian Bort’ and ‘Greenanlaghna’ the seat of the great Munster Dalcas- sians.
The inaugural Brian Bort Triath- lon Challenge will require different skills to those which sustained the ancient warriors, but endurance and preparation will still be needed.
“The intensity and heat of battle over the course of one day’s racing will produce the worthy heir. There will be a winner and the heir will be bestowed with the crown and title
Ard Ri Cill Da Lua,” a spokeswom- an for the organisers said
Keith Wood and Anthony Foley, International Rugby legends and Killaloe’s modern day warriors were on hand to launch the triathlon at the Kincora Hall Hotel last week.
OW slommbets) ovbeclaCeyemm Cem seUKMmnur-l#el ley! stemmed from a challenging charity cycle, which is currently under way. Thaireland is a charity cycle from Thailand to Ireland by three Killaloe lads who aim to build a holiday vil- lage for sick children and the Share a Dream Foundation.
Brothers Brian and Michael Cul- hane from Killaloe, and Paul Ryan from Ogonnelloe, set out from Bang- kok last December with the goal of cycling 14,000 km back to Ireland. They are currently in Turkey and expect to arrive back in Killaloe in
CRU RAM LeU A
Any proceeds raised from this tri- athlon will go towards the €50,000 target the three cyclists have set themselves. Their adventure can be followed on www.thaireland.1ie.
Triathalon swimmers will take their marks on the lakeshore at the Twomilegate and, on completion of the open water 750 metre swim, competitors will then race over a 22 km cycle course on the most scenic roads overlooking Lough Derg, pass- ing by the Brian Bort oak tree and St Cronan’s 10th century church, loop- ing around the East Clare Memorial Park at Tuamgraney before return- ing through the picturesque village of Ogonnolloe.
The challenge doesn’t end there, on completion of the cycle, a 5km run still awaits any would be Ard Ri.
The run will take place on the steep slopes of the peaceful forest at Bally- cuggeran. Having surmounted these challenges, first over the line will be ceremoniously crowned Ard Ri 2009 on the ancient site of Kincora, the seat of Brian Bort: Killaloe and Ireland’s last high king.
Those who are developing their skills in swimming, cycling or run- ning can enter the relay event with three individual warriors participat- ing and covering the same course.