In this edition of UCD Clubs In Focus, Sports Editor Bill Schmitz speaks to the Triathlon Captain. An interview with Ciara Murphy gives us insight into the activities of the club before we take a broader look at the world of triathlon.
What is the main function of your club?
“Providing structured training for students aiming to debut, progress or excel in the triathlon sport. Support each other and provide comradery, to maintain discipline, motivation and enjoyment of our training regime, in order to achieve our individual goals in the sport. Promoting a healthy, fit, active lifestyle. This is made easier for our members to maintain by the club atmosphere.”
What does a typical week of training and activity look like for your club?
“We are very excited to announce that we will be coached by Tiago Dias from Endurance Lab, who has many coaching certifications. He is also a Technical Official at Triathlon Ireland. We have had a few meetings with Tiago ahead of the 25/26 academic year, where he shared his innovative ideas with us and we are really looking forward to beginning training together in early September. “
Weekly activities include coached running sessions, pool swims, bike sessions, as well as fun outdoor cycles, catering to all levels of club members.
How do you welcome beginners into your club?
“For newcomers interested in this wonderful sport, we aim to reduce the daunting aspect of triathlon races by training and racing together as a club of completely mixed standards, with a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. We do not expect everyone to be an Ironman! We are eager for anyone remotely interested in triathlons to join the club in training sessions, where we cater for everyone.”
There are many different race distances that cater to different fitness levels. These range from ‘Try-a-tri’ races that consist of a 250m swim, 6km bike and 3km run, to full Ironman distance.
What were the highlights of last year for your club?
“The club has not been officially active in the last couple of years, so last year there were only a few track sessions and unofficial pool meets - but we are coming into the 25/26 season with enthusiasm and energy! At the end of the 24/25 season, a few committee and club members competed at the Dublin City Triathlon race in August, which boosted our enthusiasm and excitement for the upcoming year.”
How has this year started off for your club, and what events do you have coming up?
“We are looking forward to the 25/26 race season, when we plan to attend multiple races as a club, in order to compete, support each other and enjoy the various races (and hopefully make a few podiums!) In terms of the famous Ironman and half Ironman races, there could be plans for members to complete Ironman 70.3 or 140.6 races overseas.”
“We will have a booth at the freshers’ week sports expo. We are partnering with Perform Nutrition, so make sure to pop into us to sign up and try some samples!”
A broader look
UCD Triathlon is one of the college’s newer clubs, set up in 2006, and rejuvenated just last year. However, triathlon has been in Ireland since 1983.
One of the pioneers of the sport in Ireland is Desmond McHenry, who completed nearly 300 races. He transitioned from marathons to triathlons when they were introduced in the country. This August, he competed in the Asia and Europe Triathlon Championships in the 75-79 age group.
In 2023, Aichlinn O’Reilly became the first ever Irishman to break eight hours in the Ironman triathlon. O’Reilly took 6th place in the Busselton Ironman in Western Australia.
The future also looks bright for Irish Triathlon. A €2 million increase in high-performance sport funding from the government aims to support elite athletes and teams targeting success on the international stage. There has also been increased funding into sports infrastructure nationwide, including community coaching programmes, beginner-friendly events and local facilities.
There seems like no better time to ‘give it a tri’.
A huge thank you to Ciara for taking part in the interview. Be sure to follow UCD Triathlon on Instagram - @ucd_triathlon.