The inaugural PowerAde Salmon Run Triathlon 2006 took place in Ballina, Co.Mayo on Saturday 15th July. The sun gods were certainly smiling down on Ballina as temperatures were scorching. 139 athletes took to the water in the river Moy at 10am for the 500m swim.
Competition for space in the water was critical due to the many salmon leaping in the famous Ridgepool salmon fishery.

David Graham completely dominated the swim with a blistering time of exactly seven minutes.  He opened up a 49 second lead entering T1 over Mark Dempsey. Brian Crinion stormed the 20k bike, as expected on the out and back bike course.  Brian caught and past David Graham to enter T2 first.

Paul Dunne and Derek Nugent also posted great bike splits to move through the field entering T2 4th and 5th respectively behind Dempsey.


The 5k run took the athletes around Beleek Woods where they enjoyed a welcome shade from the sun under they canopy of the trees.  David Graham caught Brian Crinion on the run but was unable to answer Crinion’s kick for home at 4k to take the first male spot in a time of 56min 28secs.

The ladies senior race was not as close but competition was strong as Galway Tri Club had made this their annual club race. Siobhan Aherne entered T1 in a magnificent time of 9min 06 secs, however it was Galway’s Derval Devanney who entered T2 first and held on to the lead to place first ahead of Hilary Jenkinson. 



Everyone was in great form for the post-race refreshments and prize-giving.  Many athletes stayed on for the spectacular finale of the Ballina Street & Arts Festival Mardi Gras and firework display illuminating the river.  Big Thanks to all that helped to make this race possible and hope to see you all again next year.  Make sure you get your entries in quick, we have the weather booked…

Brian Crinion Belpark 56.28

David Graham 56.37

Mark Dempsey Limerick 57.38



Derval Delaney 1:07.42

Hilary Jenkinson 1:09.47

Deirdre o Toole 1:10.06