Gaeilge
Best Wishes to Aidan Callaghan competing in the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii – Saturday October 8th
Aidan Callaghan has worked with the Donegal ETB since 2007 and is currently the Co-ordinator of Lifford Youthreach.
Aidan is one of Ireland’s premier endurance athletes. The current Triathlon Ireland Super Series Champion he has excelled in the sport since his debut in 2010. The pinnacle of that success came on Sunday, July 17th 2016 when he finished in 20th position at Ironman UK. This finish, coupled with the fact that he finished 3rd in his age group, resulted in an automatic qualification spot for the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii. The success of that day didn’t end there – he also posted the fastest non professional swim time of the day in a scorching time of 51.54 for the 3.8km event. The Ironman distance of 3.8km swim, 180km bike and a marathon to finish off is not an event for the faint hearted. Aidan’s build up has being steady and only completed his first half Ironman event in Athlone last year. Here he scooped 2nd place in the national half distance championship missing out on the top spot to a professional athlete.
Securing a spot in the Ironman World Championships is a feat every Ironman athlete dreams of. To achieve that coveted spot is incredible; to achieve it on your first attempt is almost unheard of. The race takes place on Saturday October 8th and will be a chance for the Letterkenny man to test himself against the best in the world.
Aidan has being extremely fortunate to receive support from a number of local businesses as there are huge cost implications when travelling to and from international events and keeping equipment updated. Coming from a sporty background of Gaelic football, soccer and swimming Aidan made the transition to triathlon and has never looked back. Aidan offers advice and coaching whenever possible. He is also the swim coach for local triathlon club Letterkenny 24/7.
Ms Anne McHugh, Chief Executive, stated that, “following the great achievements of our county participants in the Olympics, we can now look forward to more sporting achievements, that of our own Aidan Callaghan. Aidan is an inspiration to not only his fellow athletes but to his Youthreach learners and young and upcoming athletes of the future. On behalf of Donegal ETB, I convey our very best wishes to Aidan in the October competition when we will be supporting him in this extraordinary event”.