Iron men and women prepare for their big test

By SIOBHÃÂN HOLLIMAN THEY might not wear suits of shining impenetrable armour like Hollywood's Tony Stark but a local group of sportsmen and women are making final preparations to take on the gruelling Ironman challenge being held in Galway this weekend. The athletes are all members of the popular Trilakes triathlon club and will be among the 2,500 participants who have registered to take part in the event on Sunday. This is the second year in a row that Galway will host one of the world's premier triathlons and beat off competition from 70 other countries to stage the prestigious sports event. An estimated 25,000 overnight visitors are expected to travel to the area, generating a tourism boost for businesses in the region. Triathletes from all over Europe and Ireland will converge in Salthill to compete in Ironman Galway 70.3. The race comprises a 1.9 km swim followed by a 90 km cycle and finishes with a gruelling half marathon (21 km). Local entrants include Stephanie and Gerge Reid, Kilconly, Maria Burke, Kilconly, Eugene Hoade, Caherlistrane, Mike Gibbons, Tuam, John Stapleton, Tuam, Cian Lynch and Olwen Daly, Tuam, John Mongan, Tuam, John Brinn, Tuam, Paul Flynn, Caherlistrane, Leo Hynes, Tuam, Nick Skehan, Milltown, John Joe Higgins, Corofin, Maria Burke and Peter McManus, The Neale. Worldwide TV coverage, online and social media promotion and the Ironman's own branded magazine editorial will assist in generating much additional interest in the West of Ireland as a destination for dedicated outdoors types and casual visitors alike. Great showcase Junior Minister for Sport and Tourism Michael Ring says the event will be a great showcase for the region. 'Bringing events like this to Ireland helps us to exhibit this country as a green, clean and fun destination for things to see and do. Furthermore, events like this allow us to showcase our greatest asset â€â€ our people. With 700 volunteers from the local community coming out to support this event it shows great community spirit across the county, something that does not go unnoticed by visitors.' Average athlete beside champion The unique beauty of Ironman is that the average athlete can race beside a world champion triathlete. Fiona Monaghan, Head of Operations with Fáilte Ireland in the West, said, 'The event is a very welcome addition to Galway's year-long programme of festivals and cultural events and Fáilte Ireland recognises its benefit to the local economy and its potential to raise the profile of this region as a holiday destination in major overseas markets.' The Tuam Herald's Nick Skehan is hoping for better weather conditions than last year when he competed. Gale force winds and torrential rain forced organisers to shorten the swim. Nick, an avid triathlete, is hoping to complete the tough course in under six hours. 'It's hard to tell whether you'll do better than last year because, depending on the weather, it will be longer than last year. The cycle was very difficult last year and the swim had to be cut because the waves were too big,' he explains. Triathlon is the fastest growing sport in Ireland at the moment and there is almost double the number of participants in Ironman Galway this year from the Trilakes Club. This weekend's is certainly not a first for Tuam's John Mongan who not only took part last year, he has already completed the same challenge and a full Ironman, 140.6 km, in the UK over the past three months. John has signed up for the ultimate Ironman challenge which involves completing two half Ironmans of 70.3 and two full routes of 140.6 each. After he competes in Galway on Sunday he has just a few weeks to get ready for another full Ironman in Wales in September. 'I think I enjoyed the full one in Bolton in July more than the half one before that,' says an enthusiastic John who has previously completed Ironman events in Nice in France. 'I'm looking forward to Galway, it will be a bit of craic. Everyone knows I'm not the most dedicated for training but I do manage to do something every day. My problem is that I spend more time talking than training,' he laughs. This will be the first Ironman event however for Tuam's Leo Hynes. He became involved in triathlons about three years ago and joined the Trilakes Club. 'I was doing a bit of swimming and cycling and heard about the club and decided to join. I've been involved ever since. It's addictive,' explains Leo, who says there is great camaraderie between all participants, especially those from the local area. While the combination of sports has increased Leo's fitness levels, he feels it's his stamina that has really developed. He took up the sports having spent many years involved with football and is thoroughly enjoying it. Mother of four Stephanie Reid has never attempted such distances and admits she had no intention of taking on the Ironman Galway challenge. 'My husband and I bought the entry for each other as Christmas gifts. I just started laughing at first but as time went on I said I'd give it a go. 'I'm really just trying to make it across the finish line. The distance is four times what I usually do so we'll just see how it goes,' says Stephanie, who has been trying to fit in training with family life and running a business. Stephanie has been doing triathalons for the past two years and is banking on supporters to cheer her on across the finish line. 'I can do each of the elements individually but this weekend will be the first time I try to do them altogether,' added Stephanie, who has found trying to find the time for training quite tough in the past few months. 'We'll have some fun either way,' she laughs.