STC clinch silverware at Fearmanagh and Moorlough races

STRABANE Triathlon Club (STC) enjoyed an excellent morning of results at the FearManagh challenge as six members from the club made the short journey down to tackle the iconic adventure race, later returning back to Strabane with plenty of silverware.

The tough endurance event begins in Derrygonnelly in County Fermanagh and takes competitors over 38km of mountainous terrain, combining cycling, trail running and kayaking before finishing back in Derrygonnelly.

Leading the club home was STC’s Paul Coyle who had a fantastic race to finish on the podium, crossing the line in third place, a highly encouraging result for the experienced triathlete as he prepares for the Dublin Marathon next month.

Next across the line for Strabane Triathlon Club was Gerard Coyle, who delivered another great performance to cross the line in sixth place, clinching first place in his respective age category as he did so.

Following close behind was the club's Shaun Lynch who enjoyed another successful result to cross the line in a superb 11th place.

The talented Glebe triathlete was unfortunate to suffer a puncture at the start of the race, and made amends throughout the tough course to clinch a well deserved third place in his respective age category.

Strong performances were very much the theme of the day among club members with Stephen Gourley, Caroline Gallagher and Mark Colhoun all producing stellar results to round off a highly successful morning for Strabane Triathlon Club at the FearManagh Challenge event.

Elsewhere, the club also enjoyed a successful day at the Moorlough 10 Mile Challenge on Sunday, September 28,

The sunshine was welcome, but it didn’t make this hilly and demanding course any easier.

Adam Ward stormed home to claim first place in a blistering time of 57:45, followed closely by Laurence O’Neill, who secured second place with a strong 1:02:17.

Sáne Stewart and Michael Duncan both delivered fantastic top 10 finishes, crossing the line in seventh (1:11:19) and ninth (1:12:37) respectively.

Andrew Devine also put in a solid performance, finishing in 1:20:54.

A club spokesperson said: "An incredible day of racing and brilliant results for the team. Well done everyone."

"Finally, the club wishes to pay a special thanks to Triathlon Ireland, Sport NI, Sport Ireland and Derry City and Strabane District Council for their continued support as well our sponsors, Conway Plumbing, Miller Wholesale Ltd., AGL Chartered Accountants, CAS Construction Group, Frylite Solutions, and Parkland 33 who have assisted us financially throughout the year ensuring that the club continues to thrive.