Kilkee “Hell of the West” Race Report by Mick Rossney

I interrupt this website with a very brief race report on Kilkee 2005.

We raced down from all four corners of Dublin to Clare's version of Faulty Towers hotel and were greeted with the hilarious sight of Dave Adams -surburnt beyond recognition. Dave who recently became a firefighter had lost a firefight with the sun the previous Wednesday and used this as an excuse to back out of the race because he knew I'd kick his skinny ass.

Race day was sunny. Sea was rough. Event was very well organised with the exception of the swim which was a bit of a mess at the beginning of the race. For anyone racing next year get advice on the tides before you swim as a good few of us got swept onto the rocks....ouch!

I'm not going to go through through the individual races as I was too lazy and self absorbed to ask everyone how they got on during it. Let me just say that the girls especially had an amazing day. Paula was again unlucky with a puncture but I have to say looked stunning and I had her ranked in a strong position as best looking female athlete of the day. I think Alison was first in. She pipped me on the swim and must have had a great cycle as I didn't see her after my siesta in transtion.

Robin Mooney had a great race. I think this was one of his first? Robin, I'm going to kick your arse in phoenix park in September if you're racing. Thanks for giving me a good challenge and seriously, well done on what I think was your first Olympic.

I'm sorry for anyone who I miss. Shane and Kathy Grassick had great runs on the day as they both also passed me and one of them scored big time afterwards (i have proof) but I'll not tell you which one.

Finally, one of the heroes of pulse Neil Bolger was the first Junior on the day. He picked up a few quid for his troubles and watch this space. Unbelievably, he just finished his leaving cert and has barely been training. I can't remember his time but it was in the 2 hours 40 something which is really, really, really good for a 17 year old, who has not been training in the hardest olympic in Ireland. As a club let's really get behind the Bolgers as they are really boosting the name of Pulse.

I'll finish with a challenge for you guys. Let's do a parents tri. I've convinced my mum to do a swim (olympic or sprint). who can get their mum or dad to do a cycle or run for a relay. Let's do what Pulse is all about and have some fun with the sport and get new people involved. Let me know re relay.

I'll see you all soon.

Who is doing the next tri? Maybe you can do a race report?

I'll do a brief one on Austria too.

M

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