An Cosantóir July/August 2015 www.dfmagazine.ie
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by COMDT MáIRTíN COFFEy, OC B COy, 7 INF BN
PhOTOS by CPL NEVILLE COUGHLAN
T
he Defence Forces Triathlon is a Sprint event (750m swim/ 20km bike/
5km run) that is held every summer and this year it was held on 3rd
June. The DF Sprint triathlon has been held every year since 2010 in
Lilliput, Co Westmeath and is run by the Defence Forces Triathlon Associa-
tion (DFTA), which was founded in 2008. Although there had been Triathlons
organised on an ad hoc basis prior to this, the forming of the DFTA has ce-
mented triathlon in the DF sporting calendar since its inception. In 2008 and
2009 the DF Triathlon "piggy backed" with TriAthlone, but an opportunity
(through Comdt Tom McGrath) came about in 2010 to change the location
and the race has been held successfully in Lilliput ever since.
The DFTA tasking is to foster and encourage the sport of triathlon in
the DF and we do this by catering for all abilities (beginners, intermedi-
ates and advanced) through our numerous events throughout the year.
Triathlon Training days, the DF Duathlon (run/bike/run), DF Try a tri (200m
swim/20km bike/5km run) and the DF Open water swim camp (20-24 July 15
applications currently being taken) are all organised (in addition to the DF
Tri) by DFTA to achieve our tasking.
DFTA is an affiliate member of Triathlon Ireland (TI), which is the governing
body for triathlon in Ireland. DFTA have a number of TI qualified coaches to
run our various training days and offer advice and guidance to all levels of tri-
athlon to members of the Defence Forces. DFTA do not compete in triathlons
as a grouping and we actively encourage members of the DF to get involved
with their local club, as the club scene is the heartbeat of triathlon in Ireland.
DFTA gives members of the DF the opportunity to train for triathlon as an
organised recreational activity (ORT). More info and contact details can be
found on our IKON site (search DFTA) or by emailing:
mairtin.coffey@defenceforces.ie or jackie.wykes@defenceforces.ie
