The idea for the event came from Setanta Triathlon Club, which joined forces with Louth GAA to get this project off the ground. Thanks largely to the energetic efforts of Bryan McCrystal & Brian Cafferty, a thought became reality. Now, after refreshments, about seventy people sat down as Bryan Cafferty opened proceedings. He reminded us of the great athletes that have come from Louth in the past, and spoke of the wonderful support given to the project by the local council. Chairman Martin Bellew was there to elaborate on their involvement, stressing that Dundalk Town Council is particularly keen to help those who "help themselves", that they're eager to support innovation.

Official Race Sponsors

Next it was time to thank the sponsors, and justified thanks it was indeed. Declan McArdle from Tommy the Bikes deserves a special mention. He's a great support to Setanta, virtually a fixture on the sponsors' bench, and lends less visible but equally valuable support to many an athlete, beginner and pro alike, through excellent and personal service.

Other sponsors include:

• Nice One Dundalk
• Felda
• JJB
• Design North - Web Design Dundalk
• KMR - Accountants & Auditors
• Ballymascanlon House Hotel

Dundalk Simon Community - Race Charity

Yet the race will not only ask, it will also give: Simon Community Dundalk stands to receive funds raised by the event. Orla Kirby was there to speak for Simon Community, giving a brief but sobering insight into the work they do, and what a huge difference every Euro given makes.

Win 4 All-Ireland Tickets!

The organisers' innovation didn't end there. The race will bring benefit not only to the triathlon and running community, but also to other sport clubs. The two Bryans, McCrystal and Cafferty - like The Two Ronnies, except according to Cafferty, McCrystal is not funny at all. New to the team Noel Litchfield came up with the novel idea of offering GAA teams a chance to compete among themselves in the midst of the greater race. Each team will enter eight athletes, and the fastest four in each team stand a chance of winning a set of jerseys and four All Ireland tickets. That's like offering solid gold as the prize, and promises even more excitement and competition on the day, long after the top runners have crossed the finish line.

Now came the fun part

Everyone there was treated to a few words from people we can all admire and emulate. First was legend Jim "The Pink Panther" Rock, the only boxer ever to hold the Irish professional title at four different weights. His words, like his fists, were effective and to the point. The next speaker needs an entire sentence just for all his titles and performances. Former Olympian, former World Champion, holder of the world record for the indoor mile run from 1979 to 1997, holder of the still standing European record for the indoor mile run, holder of more medals than you could carry in one go: Eamonn Coghlan also happens to be a lovely, friendly man. He had the crowd in stitches with a relation of his caddy's scepticism of his celebrity status, judging by his golfing skills.

James Nolan, a wonderful athlete himself who'd competed in the Olympics twice and now trains tomorrow's stars, thought it was a mite unfair to expect of him to follow such a great guy. However, he did a fantastic job. Encouraging those who might be scared off entering by the intimidating sound of the words 'half marathon', he recalled the advice of a former coach: "It's not the distance, it's the pace that kills you".

All in all it was a lovely evening, but what struck me most was the atmosphere. This was a gathering of friends, a quiet celebration of a special achievement. Setanta is a very active club, and arranging a race of this nature is a huge undertaking. It was inspiring to see how people from Dundalk pulled together and contributed what they could to make this event a reality. Such efforts draw visitors from far and wide, and brings revenue, recognition and spirit to our town. It's an achievement well worth celebrating.