Longford's sun made a great Two Provinces Sprint Triathlon and National series

Last weekend we saw the return of the annual Two Provinces Sprint Triathlon and National series return to the banks of the Shannon and the roads in Ballyleague and Lanesboro.

Read more: All-Ireland Relay Gold medal glory for Longford U-14 boys

The build up to this year’s event was blessed with great summer weather with wall to wall sunshine as the course and transition area was prepared.

Excitement this year was growing from early on and the entire event seemed to catch the imagination of local people as well those further away from the community.

As usual, the events started on Friday evening when the Kidathon took pride of place for almost 100 young athletes.
Impeccable stewardship by the committee ensured that this was going to be a fabulously well run event and one that the young athletes would create memories that would last a lifetime.

"To see the joy of completion as well as doing the very best for themselves on all their faces as they crossed the finishing line was a joy to behold. Young people can be extremely competitive and this was clearly seen with the extreme efforts every one of the young athletes put in.

"Congratulations to all the youngsters and there is no doubt that they will be seen for many years to come competing in the Kidathon and Two Provinces triathlon.

"With the sun beaming down I arrived into town on Saturday morning at 6.45am to prepare the shop for the day ahead.
It was a very quiet street apart from a number of steward jackets to be seen at the entrance into the car park.

"You immediately knew everything had kicked into place for the Two Provinces Sprint Triathlon and National Series event later in the morning."

The first of the competitors for the 11am start began arriving at the corner just before 7am. What began as a trickle soon turned into a flood of vehicles and without any fuss the stewards, then all over the community directed the athletes to the parking places- a mammoth task but it created little to no traffic disruption.

It must have been the spell of great weather and the atmosphere throughout the morning was one of great anticipation as the town, both sides of the bridge, filled up.

More than ever before there were great numbers on the streets creating a great buzz that has not been seen in the community for many a long day.

Come 11am the sound of the claxon filled the air as the first wave of swimmers began their race. This was followed by many waves of swimmers that created a great sight while swimming the 750m over and back the width of the Shannon.

The next stage was the athletes taking to their bikes for the 20km cycle of 20km and all this in a morning that was continuing to get warmer.

The final stage was the 5km run up the Rathcline Road and back in what was now searing heat. With the temperatures just three miles down the road at the Mount Dillon Weather Station reaching a record high of 31.1 degrees showed the diligent work and preparation that each and every one of the athletes had put in in anticipation of the race.

The after race entertainment and food went down a treat as did the face painting for all the youngsters on the banks of the Shannon.

The atmosphere around town extended late into the evening and the community had a wonderful buzz of excitement.

Lanesboro and Ballyleague showed that it can entertain huge crowds that come into the community and it shows that we have real potential for growth given the correct support.

Read more: Longford ‘is not the place’ for massive wind farm development

It is a credit to Lanesboro Triathlon Club who run a very special club as can be clearly seen and also the entire community for their full commitment and support to the creation of wonderful days in Lanesboro and Ballyleague for the Two Provinces Sprint Triathlon and Kidathon.