Club Committee

Meet the committee

Chairperson

Vanessa Scanlon

Since 2023

Vanessa is new club Chairperson since start of 2023

2019 saw Vanessa take a notion to start running through Couch to 5k and soon after swimming again with the Swim For A Mile Initiative. Vanessa had decided if she could do these two she would attempt the women’s Try A Tri initiative later that year with Sligo Tri Club and has been a member since. Vanessa had lived a pretty sedentary life before 2019 with the only activity being walking dogs. Swimming came back quick enough to Vanessa having been a member with the swimming club as a teenager. Running will never be a strong point and don’t talk to Vanessa about the bike!

 

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Sligo Triathlon Club has been a positive addition to Vanessa’s life for many reasons including the social aspect, developing a strong love for swimming again and also for incorporating her passions into it. For example social inclusion. Vanessa was the driving force behind the Tri With Pride Try A Tri initiative in 2022. Vanessa is also a member of the Sligo branch of Sanctuary Runners.

Vanessa is also enjoying the social media aspect of Sligo Tri Club and is the person behind the club’s Instagram and Twitter accounts.

Secretary

Ceola McLynn

Since 2023

I am new to triathlon, so new I have yet to actually complete one! Upon returning to Ireland in 2022 and wanting to get back into a routine of regular training I was convinced to join Sligo Triathlon club after learning that it was not all about triathlon or even competing… who knew! It has the added benefit however to finally learn to swim comfortably (with lots more to work on), get familiar with hidden cycle routes around the beautiful northwest and meet and train with some like-minded running enthusiasts.

Social Officer

Ger McCarthy

Since 2023

Not being able to swim with my face in the water wasn’t the best preparation for a late ‘career’ in Triathlon.
My initial introduction to Tri was as a volunteer for the then new Sligo Tri club.I decided to learn how to swim, completed the Women’s Initiative in 2013 and have completed Sprint Triathlons in Mullaghmore, Sligo, Lough Key and a pool sprint with the club as well as part of a relay team for Olympic distance Tri in Lissadell and Hazelwood….always very slowly. If I can Tri anyone can 😁 Since then I mainly enjoy training with the club and (slow) open water swimming..supporting my other half and children who have all tri’d …the social side of the sport. I’m not from Sligo and it has been a great way to make new friends

Club PRO

Niamh Walsh

Since 2023

‘After coming across an advertisement for a women’s try a tri initiative back in 2012 my  journey into Triathlon commenced! At first I thought no way could I swim, get on a bike and than have to do a wee run but the fantastic coaching and encouragement proved I could and I did ( Thanks Kate!).
I will always remember my first sprint Triathlon which took place in Rosses point. I can remember it so clearly. I was naturally slightly nervous coming up to the event but  I recall  while breathing to my left swimming  from the second beach, seeing Benbulbin mountain in the glorious sunshine, thinking where else would you be!!  That was it, I was hooked.
Although dipping in and out over the years I have enjoyed every bit of my triathlon journey. The friendships made, the fantastic coaching and the overall benefits of joining this fantastic club. My 2023 new years resolution was to digital detox. I’m afraid that is now on ‘pause’ as I take on the PRO role with the support of my fellow committee members and club members, a lot done, more to do!

Women’s Officer

Annabel Gilmartin

Since 2023

I discovered Triathlon via the club’s Womens Try-a-tri in 2018, and have been hooked ever since. In Sligo tri club I have found a fantastic supportive community of friends and training buddies. I came from a cycling and running background and have worked hard on my swimming with club sessions in the pool and open water swimming, going from struggling through the Try a tri to completing the Hardman long distance triathlon in 2020. 

Assistant PRO

Oisin Keighron

Since 2023

Meet Oisín, an enthusiastic Assistant PRO who recently participated in the Tri with Pride initiative. During the event, Oisín discovered a passion for triathlon and has since been hooked on all things related to the sport. With a newfound love for triathlon, Oisín is eager to continue exploring this exciting and challenging athletic pursuit.

Training Co-Ordinator

Liz Sheridan

Since 2022

Treasurer

Elizabeth Flynn

Since 2023

Having absolutely no interest in ever participating in a triathlon I joined the Sligo triathlon club in October 2019 after completing (well, I was disqualified!) the try a tri event. Running was my primary motivation for joining the club, I didn’t own a bike and I had just learned how to swim freestyle the year previously.

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A Sligo rumour about a lamprey eel attaching itself to a triathlete during the Hazelwood triathlon  had cemented a fear of lake swimming in me, and I was happy to stick with the running. One global pandemic and many lockdowns later I signed up for the “return to tri” event, which, much to my alarm involved lake swimming. The event itself stands out as a highlight for me for the year 2021, the training with friends and the event itself was such an enjoyable experience. I went on to complete the Hazelwood triathlon two months later and I have not been attacked by an eel yet!

I have found the club members and coaches incredibly willing to provide support, invaluable advice (and some slagging ) when it comes to all elements of racing and training.

 

New members officer

Aine Barnicle

Since 2023

I started sea swimming when Covid hit and got the swimming bug from there. Then I joined the tri-club to improve my swimming and avail of the experienced and knowledgable coaches. I got to meet great people there. Then I took part in the womens initiative try-a-tri last year and really enjoyed the training and the particiption in the event. Now I’m aiming to partake in another triathlon event in the near future. I have made great friends at Sligo tri club and am enjoying being part of the Committee. It’s not all serious, we have great fun too!

Download a copy of the Sligo Triathlon Club Constitution