2010

A press information pack for the 2010 event will be made available soon.

Press Release 2009

Wednesday 29th of April 2009

“………………where the lore of tradition has cast

Dark legends of Fairy ……wild tales of the Past”

On August 8th 2009, hundreds of tri-athletes will contest the title Árd Rí on territory adjacent to the “Forth of Brian Ború” and “Greenanlaghna” the seat of the great Munster Dalcassians. These sites overlooked by the romantic hill of Crag Liath where Aoibheal the Fairy Queen of the Dal Gais guided the destinies of her people and sat on the court made famous by Brian Merriman in the “Midnight Court”.

Unlike previous conquests on these grounds, the challenge is totally different but the weapons of skill and endurance remain the same. The intensity and heat of battle over the course of one day's racing will produce the worthy heir. There will be a winner and the heir will be bestowed with the crown and title Árd Rí Cill Da Lua.

Fáilte mór to the ancient capital of Ireland and the inaugural Brian Ború Triathlon Challenge. The inspiration for this Triathlon stemmed from a most unique and challenging charity cycle, which is currently under way. Thaireland is a charity cycle from Thailand to Ireland by 3 local Killaloe guys in aid of the Share a Dream Foundation.

In order to raise funds for the development of a holiday village and theme park on a 12 acre site in Limerick City, brothers Brian and Michael Culhane from Killaloe, Co.Clare and Paul Ryan from Ogonnelloe, Co. Clare set out from Bangkok, Thailand on the 30th of December 2008 with the goal of cycling approx 14,000 km back to Ireland. They are currently in Turkey and expect to arrive back in Killaloe early July.

Any proceeds raised from this Triathlon will go towards the €50,000 target the three cyclists have set themselves. Their adventure can be followed on www.thaireland.ie. Keith Wood and Anthony Foley, International Rugby legends and Killaloe’s modern day warriors will officially launch the Triathlon on Tuesday May 5th at the Kincora Hall Hotel, Killaloe.

The Brian Ború Triathlon Challenge invites you to take up the gauntlet on the most scenic and unique triathlon course based on the shores of Lough Derg at Killaloe, Co.Clare. Swimmers will take their marks on the lakeshore at the Twomilegate one of Ireland's premier Blue Flag amenity areas.

On completion of the open water 750 metre swim, competitors will then race over a 22 km cycle course on the most scenic roads overlooking Lough Derg passing by the Brian Ború oak tree and St Cronans 10th century church, and looping around the East Clare Memorial Park at Tuamgraney before returning through the picturesque village of Ogonnelloe.

The challenge doesn't end there, on completion of the cycle, a 5km run still awaits any would be Árd Rí. The run will take place on the steep slopes of the peaceful forest at Ballycuggeran with its many magnificent viewing points. Having surmounted these challenges, first over the line will be ceremoniously crowned “Árd Rí 2009” on the ancient site of Kincora the seat of Brian Ború Killaloe and Irelands last high king.

For others, finishing the Brian Ború Triathlon Challenge it is all about destiny and honour and the right to join the ancient elite “Dal Gais” army of warriors. Those who are developing their skills be it in swimming, cycling or running can enter the relay event with three individual warriors participating and covering the same challenging but spectacular course. There will be a selection of winning categories on the day as well as the Árd Rí crown.