Tri-Team Ireland showcased their exceptional skills once more. It was a great weekend of racing in Menen, a picturesque city in South West Flanders, Belgium, which hosted the 2023 Europe Triathlon Multi-Sport Championships.
Hosted by the Belgian Triathlon Federation, Menen witnessed an exhilarating weekend of multisport racing. Over the course of the event, Tri-Team Ireland athletes enthusiastically competed in the Aquathlon, Aquabike, and Middle Distance Triathlon events.
Ross Hamilton, competing in the Men’s 35-39 age category, continued his impressive 2023 season by clinching his second medal at the European Middle Distance Aquabike Championships held in Menen. Following the demanding race, Hamilton shared his thoughts, saying, “The course posed a significant challenge, especially the bike leg through the town. The relentless headwinds and exposed out-and-back bike course made it quite grueling.” Nevertheless, these challenging conditions didn’t deter Hamilton from securing his second podium finish of the year.
Hamilton had previously claimed the Silver medal at the World Long Distance Aquabike Championships in Ibiza earlier in the season. Notably, a standout moment for Hamilton during the race in Menen was the enthusiastic support from the crowds lining the streets as he tackled the cycling segment through the town, with cheers echoing from both sides of the course.
Hamilton has established himself as a formidable force in the world of Aquabike, with a track record that includes a 2nd place finish in the 2023 Triathlon Ireland Aquabike National Championships, a 1st place finish in the 2022 Triathlon Ireland Aquabike National Championships, and a 1st place finish in the 2021 Triathlon Ireland Aquabike National Championships.
| Ross | Hamilton | M 35 – 39 | 2nd |
| Nicola | Moroney | F 40 – 44 | 6th |
| Niall | Kavanagh | M 60 – 64 | 21st |
On the afternoon of Friday, August 25th, a squad of determined Tri-Team Ireland athletes dove headfirst into the European Aquathlon Championships. These athletes are no strangers to multisport competitions, with many having recently showcased their prowess at the World Triathlon Multisport Championships in Ibiza.
The late afternoon sun bore witness to an outstanding performance by the team. Among them, Deirdre Philpott, a seasoned athlete competing in the F 64 – 69 age category, displayed her mettle by securing a commendable 10th place overall. In the same age bracket, Majella Diskin, F 64 – 69, carved her name into the standings with a strong 5th place finish, while her racing companion, Caroline Murphy, F 55 – 59, followed closely behind, taking the 9th spot. Sadhbh Byrne F 20 – 24 showcased an outstanding performance with a top 10 finish in the race.
Megan Smyth, a formidable competitor in the F 25 – 29 category, crossed the finish line in an impressive 12th position. On the men’s side, Nick Flanagan, M 30 – 34, showcased his skill and determination, claiming the 10th spot, while Victor Thompson, M 50 – 53, secured a respectable 13th place finish.
| Caroline | Murphy | F 55 – 59 | 9th |
| Sadhbh | Byrne | F 20 – 24 | 10th |
| Deirdre | Philpott | F 64 – 69 | 10th |
| Majella | Diskin | F 64 – 69 | 5th |
| Megan | Smyth | F 25 – 29 | 12th |
| Nick | Flanagan | M 30 – 34 | 10th |
| Sinead | Barnett | F 30 – 34 | – |
| Victor | Thompson | M 50 – 54 | 13th |
For Tri-Team Ireland Eamonn Brady, Amelia Drumm, Chloe Derermon, Louise O’Reilly, Piarais Mcshane, Megan Smyth, Colm Brady and Duncan Emery took on the course.
| Eamon | Brady | M 45 – 49 | 6th |
| Amelia | Drumm | F 45 – 49 | 7th |
| Chloe | Deyermond | F 25 – 29 | 8th |
| Louise | O’Reilly | F 40 – 44 | 13th |
| Piarais | Mcshane | M 20 – 24 | 16th |
| Megan | Smyth | F 25 – 29 | 19th |
| Colm | Brady | M 45 – 49 | 24th |
| Duncan | Emery | M 50 – 54 | – |
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