Club News

The Story

Being the 30th Year we are on a mission to cobble together the story of the first event. This is a starting point! It is by no means Gospel… if you have a correction or a memory to add please get in touch with us news@limericktriathlon.com
Not so long ago, 1985, the very first Kilkee Hell of the West Triathlon was run from the east end of Kilkee, Co.Clare, beside the boathouse where there once stood “The Atlantic Hotel”.

THE Gear

There were no wetsuits, no hard shell helmets, no cleats, and no tri-suits! Racers wore swimming togs with a vest over it and cycled in runners – many did not have toe pegs.

The crew

The club chairman at the time Ger Hartmaan, was involved in organising the event, but on the day the race director was Joan Griffin and race secretary was Peter Snow. Peter was at the time working in St. Enda’s Sports Complex, who were tireless in their support of the Triathlon Club in those early days.
Joan and Peter were assisted by a Declan O’Sullivan, and between them they timed each of the 30 or so athletes with stop watches, recording each split. Times were then added manually and handwritten for the results.

The Race

The Race was won by Chairman, Ger Hartmaan and the Women’s race won by Anne Noonan. Anne was the then owner of The Strand hotel and was a great swimmer and cyclist.
The Swim was a zig-zag swim from the racket ball alleys to the slip, and only barely 800m. Leaving the water the Athletes made their way to transition, each racer was given a full car space to set up their bike (lying flat on the ground) and all their gear.

The cycle was out and back the Doonbeg Road and the run was the same course as today but was 8 miles long. Not having standard distances to work to it is rumoured that the race organising committee suited their own strengths… this year’s committee were all runners!

The People

Long term members and founding members of the club Ger and Al le Gear, raced that first Kilkee. Al remembers they both had Raleigh 531 Tubing bikes.
Gerry Murray raced also, Gerry is the father of Irish Rugby player Conor Murray, but you may see him today as the motor cyclist and uncle of the late Joey Hannan.
The Judge and the Doc competed and are still racing today (Tom O’Donnell & Mick Griffin). We also saw Tom & Miriam Barry, John Lynch, Clem McInerney, John Heaton, [?]Frank McNamara and [?]Christy O’Brien (R.I.P.)
The post-race antics were every bit as crazy back then, all athletes into the Atlantic Hotel for the prize giving and party until the early hours of the morning. Prizes were sponsored by Limerick Sports Store.

Your Memories

We want your memories! Help us bring the story together!  Please get in touch with us news@limericktriathlon.com