Meet Eirin: from Beyond the Wall to the World Championships

5th Age Group at IM 70.3 Bolton

Eirin didn’t grow up dreaming about triathlon.

She grew up as a competitive equestrian, and sport still sits alongside a busy life managing her family-owned equestrian store, Rockvale Equestrian in Ballynahinch. At home, there are also two dogs to keep her occupied, including a mini American Shepherd who has his own sporting interests in agility.

Discovering multisport

In 2023, Eirin discovered adventure racing.

It suited her perfectly: running, cycling, a bit of adventure — and, crucially, a kayak leg instead of a swim.

“At that point, the idea of open water for anything more than a quick dip or bob about was kind of terrifying. I also couldn’t really swim front crawl!”

But in 2024, she decided there was one thing she wanted to tick off the bucket list.

A triathlon.

She knew very little about the sport. She knew even less about bikes and had been borrowing one for the adventure races she had done. That didn’t stop her entering Beyond the Wall.

The first one

The first-ever Triathlon - Beyond the Wall, 2024

Race morning nerves arrived early.

Very early.

“I was one of the first participants on site that morning out of pure fear. Friends will tell you how much I was shaking at the start!”

After registering, Eirin stood back and watched what the more experienced athletes were doing — how they organised their numbers, where everything went in transition and what seemed to happen next.

“I remember watching everyone sorting out their transition setups so I could copy them!”

Eventually there was no more avoiding it.

She got into the water.

She survived the swim.

And then something unexpected happened.

She absolutely loved the rest of it.

The bike was fun. The run was fun. Crossing the finish line was even better. By the end of the day, Eirin had already entered her next race.

She was hooked.

So, what next?

Things progressed quickly from there.

At the end of 2025, Eirin completed Ironman Barcelona. Inevitably, the question afterwards was: so, what next? Going after a place at the 2026 Ironman 70.3 World Championships in Nice was, in her words, “a bit of an impulse decision”.

The winter that followed wasn’t all rigid triathlon preparation. There was plenty of riding bikes, trying gravel and cross-country for the first time and completing a first gravel event at the Lakelander’s Big Dog.

And, of course, there was still work to do on that swim.

More specific 70.3 preparation started at the end of January, and this brought another new experience — speed work. “I was doing ‘speed’ sessions and faster work for the first time. It was totally new to me, but I really enjoyed it.”

Then, in June, Eirin lined up at Ironman Bolton 70.3.

The result?

A qualification place for the 2026 Ironman 70.3 World Championships in Nice, France, taking place on 12–13 September.

Quite a journey for someone who, only a couple of years earlier, had specifically chosen adventure racing because it meant she didn’t have to swim.

Still discovering what’s possible

Ask Eirin about the long-term plan, and there isn’t a carefully mapped-out five-year target.

Not yet, anyway.

“Truthfully, I still feel so new to the sport that I’m still discovering what is out there and what to aim for.”

For now, the next big adventure is Nice, where she will get to experience the atmosphere of an Ironman 70.3 World Championship for the first time.

After that, she is already looking towards another winter of training and more National Series racing next year. And the gravel and XC bikes aren’t going anywhere.

Keep it fun

For Eirin, perhaps the biggest lesson from the journey so far is a simple one: keep it fun.

“Whether that is training with friends, just riding your bike with friends or missing the odd training session for a social occasion or event that you just do not want to miss.”

Training across three sports can become demanding quickly, particularly when it has to fit around work and everything else in life. Keeping that sense of enjoyment matters — and it is clearly something Eirin has carried with her from that first nervous start at Beyond the Wall all the way to qualifying for Nice.

As she puts it: “You’ve got to be enjoying yourself.”

Beyond the Wall 2026: A Race to Remember

On Saturday 13 June, athletes, supporters and volunteers once again gathered at Castle Ward for the fifth edition of Beyond the Wall—and what a day it was.

Set against the spectacular backdrop of Strangford Lough and the Castle Ward Estate, the race has quickly become one of the standout events on the Irish triathlon calendar. Having been shortlisted for Triathlon Ireland’s 2025 Race of the Year, the 2026 event returned as Round 4 of the Triathlon National Series, welcoming hundreds of athletes from clubs across the country.

A course with real character

Beyond the Wall is not an easy sprint triathlon—and that is part of its appeal.

The day began with a rolling start from Coal Quay into the sheltered salt water of Strangford Lough. From there, athletes made the short run into transition before heading onto the rolling bike course towards Downpatrick.

Competitors then faced the now-famous climb through the Castle Ward grounds, known locally as Dave’s Hill. It demanded plenty from the legs, but the panoramic views across the estate and surrounding countryside provided a fitting reward.

The final discipline took athletes onto Castle Ward’s trails, along the shoreline and past Audley’s Castle, before a fast and atmospheric finish in the historic Farmyard. It is a course that is challenging, scenic and unmistakably Beyond the Wall.

Excellent racing at the front

The open race was won by Conor Maguire of Omagh Triathlon Club, who produced a strong all-round performance to cross the line in 1:05:45. Craig Harrison of TUNA Triathlon Club finished second, with Callum O’Neill of Belpark Triathlon Club completing the podium.

Helen Perry of Lisburn Triathlon Club claimed victory in the female race in 1:11:01.

There was also a fantastic result for the host club, with Kirsty Kee and Eirin Corbett securing second and third places, giving Down Triathlon Club two athletes on the female podium. A proud moment for the club and a brilliant reward for two excellent performances.

The next generation goes Beyond the Wall

One of the most important developments in 2026 was the introduction of the first Beyond the Wall Youth Aquathlon.

Young athletes aged 11 to 17 had the opportunity to compete in a swim-and-run event within the same beautiful Castle Ward setting. The race formed part of the Triathlon Ireland Youth Series and represented another important step in making multisport accessible and exciting for the next generation.

The young athletes also played a part in creating the event itself. The official medals featured designs by junior triathletes Sophia and Yvaine, adding something unique and personal to the occasion.

A club and community effort

While the performances of the athletes provide the visible excitement, a race of this scale is only possible because of the work taking place behind the scenes.

From the early planning and course preparation to registration, transition, water safety, marshalling and the finish-line celebrations, Beyond the Wall is built through the efforts of a huge team of volunteers.

Our sincere thanks go to Race Director Brian Corry, the organising team, Triathlon Ireland officials, the National Trust at Castle Ward, Strangford Sailing Club, the emergency and safety teams, the police, marshals and every club member who gave their time.

We are also extremely grateful to our title sponsor, Hillyard House, and to all the sponsors, partners and local organisations whose support helped us deliver another memorable event.

Most importantly, thank you to every athlete who travelled to County Down and took on the course. Whether you were chasing a National Series result, completing your first triathlon or simply testing yourself on Dave’s Hill, we hope you left Castle Ward with good memories—and perhaps slightly tired legs.

Beyond the Wall continues to grow, but its character remains the same: a challenging race in an extraordinary setting, delivered with the warmth and community spirit of Down Triathlon Club.

Congratulations to everyone who went Beyond the Wall in 2026. We look forward to welcoming you back.

Cliff’s IM Hamburg

HAMBURG IM

I took off from Belfast City, over the airport road, where I had spent the last eight weekends relentlessly riding my TT up and down!

 The training was done , it was time to race. I had done my 5 previous 70.3 races with Challenge. This would be my first full distance and first race with ironman.

 Velo Yelo transported the 14-year-old Cervelo bike. What a game-changer. No fuss, no mess, no panic attacks trying to put your bike back together again! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

 Hamburg is a great city with easy airport-to-city links. Hotel check-in was completed on Thursday. I got a good night’s sleep and went off to register on Friday. It was a really simple, straightforward process. The wristband was proudly attached, and I got an IM bag. I just had to earn it now.

 Friday felt a bit like a day in limbo, but my nerves were under control. I had a race plan (written down) and the training had gone really well.

Saturday dawned I hit the lake for the practice swim. I really enjoyed this. Got rid of the nerves and I know what I’m getting into tomorrow. Good chance to get a chat with some of the other competitors too. Transition set up, jeez this is a long transition, nearly 1km long!

Set the alarm for 420am. Who am I kidding, I’m not gonna sleep! Sunday 430am porridge, yoghurt, fruit, 2 cereal bars. No idea how I got this down and it stayed down!

Into the 1hr 20 pen. Half of Carrickfergus is in here, small world! Plenty of Greenisland/ Carrick banter! OK, it’s the start time! Hand clapping done, I hit the water at 720am.

 2600 people start in 2s, rolling start. It’s a great controlled start, and I’m off swimming in my own space. Big arms swinging wide as a warning to others: Back off! Lol  a few kicks and punches round the buoys keep me focused and I only tire in the last 500mtrs under the 4th of 5 bridges! Swim time 1hr 30. On target. Sean from bike shop gets a picture of me almost smiling out of the swim. A collectors i’s item.

Long transition as I did a full change into Down Triathlon Club kit and sat down for a 3 course meal! (more cereal bars and a smoothie) The roads were not smooth at all! Not what I expected. Very windy too. Dropped my carb bottle at 30km. Stopped to retrieve losing that would have been a disaster! (369gm in one bottle. Precision pf300 gel. A game changer for any long distance, also a 15g precision “Turkish delight” as a treat at the top of each hour on the bike: really helped break the bike leg down)). Loo stop at 100km. Didn’t unclip in time, rookie mistake, off I came! Chain dropped, but no other damage. Importantly,  no spectators to see my shame. Headwind to finish got stronger on 2nd lap, and I limped home in just over 6 hrs. Bit disappointed with that, 20 mins behind target!

At least I still had fuel in the tank for the run. The atmosphere, 4 laps through the city centre, was unreal. Music pumping, people calling your name, nearly overwhelming! 4 laps gave me a chance to chat and thumbs up to the Invictus lads and the Carrick contingent. I followed the plan as the heart rate rose at the start of the run. 9 minutes run, 1 walk and use every aid station for fluid.  I was worried about my heart rate, but the coach just laughed and said don’t worry, you’ll be going so slow at the end. Your heart rate will be of no concern. His harsh assessment of my running ability was spot on, though! 4hr 48 min later, my heart rate was 130 as I came down the red carpet. “ Cliff from Ireland: you are an ironman”

Then the emotion really kicked in!

Overall an amazing experience.  The box has been ticked. Anyone considering first full distance be prepared. Do the training, trust the process and believe in your ability as you do the training.  The number of times I saw in my head myself crossing the line really helped through the long bike rides, sometimes in hail stones!

Get the family on board, because you will become even more of a self absorbed triathlon bore than normal. But think of their glowing faces full of pride as you talk them through 13 hours and 22 seconds of you life, step by step!

As for ironman themselves,  it’s well run and very professional, but challenge group just edge them on overall experience.

Cliff.

Pulse Port Beach Triathlon 2023

In the ancient Irish calendar, autumn began in August. Triathletes across the island are discovering that what they thought were summer races with pleasant sea swims are in fact autumnal in the extreme, with many DTC members involuntarily discovering the joys of duathlons recently. The Pulse Port Beach triathlon, a National Series race, was yet another victim of sea conditions, this time due to a heavy fog lying over the beach and sea. Even the most gung-ho athletes had to concede that the sea swim would have been unsafe, considering it was barely possible to see the buoys.

After a short hopeful delay, Plan B was quickly implemented, with the swim replaced with a 3km run in perfect conditions, at least on land. As these discussions took place, athletes were able to enjoy the atmosphere, with lots of food and drink options, roaming photographers, and the portaloos which generated many emotional comments and some regret at the lost opportunity to empty bladders into the Irish Sea. If autumn is the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness, the last portaloo on the left provided the latter in buckets.

11 DTC members had made the trip to Louth for what was for almost all their last chance at a triathlon this year, with some desperate female members named Cheryl securing an entry less than 24 hrs before the start as the horror at a long triathlon-free winter started to hit home . Even some DTC members not participating showed up to provide welcome support.

Despite the change to run-bike-run, feedback on the race was very positive, with many commenting on the great bike course in particular. Comments on the second run were not quite as positive, as runners paid the price for going too hard in the first run, although the out and back course did allow many everyday athletes to witness the incredible pace of the race leaders.

Particular praise is due to Sophie Truesdale with her by now routine age group podium place, leaving with a nice trophy and Cycle Superstore gift card, as well as Shonagh Nelson who finished in a great time despite multiple mechanical issues during the cycle.

In the aftermath of the race, the sea quickly filled with triathletes desperate to at least dip their toes in the water before beginning the journey home, no doubt to obsess on Strava whilst re-fuelling appropriately in celebration at securing hard-earned PBs in Duathlon.

Peninsula Sea Sprint 2023

The weather could not have been better on Sunday 27th August, as 37 elite DTC athletes arrived en masse for the annual Sprint distance triathlon organised by the Peninsula Tri Club - although spectators would have been forgiven for mistaking this race as a DTC organised one, given the utter dominance of black and yellow.

More than 250 triathletes from across Ireland lined up to swim in Dee harbour, following a relatively simple out and back course awaiting. With local celebrity journalist Mark Simpson acting as compere, including various unprovoked episodes of dad-dancing, the atmosphere was great and the swim passed without incident.

The bike course involved two loops, with a sprint almost as far as Groomsport, before turning back towards Donaghadee. An unwelcome headwind greeted cyclists as they headed out on a gentle incline, before picking up speed after the turn back towards Donaghadee.

Whether cyclists were on their first or second loop determined the direction of travel at a junction as athletes neared transition, with some confusion and a lack of any signage indicating this enabling Cathy Flinn to enjoy the screams of "first lady home!!", before realising her error. Next year Cathy!

Screams of a different kind were heard as Aoife and Shona collided due to further confusion at that junction, although thankfully no serious injuries were suffered, and Aoife's drinking arm is in full working order again.

The run section took athletes around the lighthouse and commons area, and the "light touch" approach to marshalling led to a variety of routes actually being run, with almost no one running exactly 5k and many confused looks as people other than Conaill approached the finish line in blistering times. Kevin Kelly was almost in contention for the Ireland team for Paris after completing the run in less than 8 minutes! Due to a mysterious combined Garmin/Strava/Apple/Suunto/Polar temporary and localised 'outage', a veil has now been drawn over this run and it will never be mentioned again, except in The Barn every week.

Overall, DTC again had a very successful outing, with Conaill MacNabb making the podium in 3rd place, only one second off 2nd, and everyone (except Aoife) enjoying the event as well as the excellent and varied post-race refreshments in Donaghadee sailing club.

As triathlon season nears the end, the frantic last minute search for one last race continues, and an even greater DTC turnout is expected in Castlewellan for the Mourne Sprint with 43 members currently signed up, a figure than most clubs in Ireland can only dream of!

By John Taylor

Youghall, Cork 2023

A large contingent of DTC athletes made the journey to Youghal to attempt one of the annual endurance Ironman triathlons planned for Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th August, with most members tackling the 70.3 distance, and four taking on the full Ironman distance. Everyone who made the trip was aware that triathlons carry risks, particularly with a sea swim, but the devastating news that two fellow athletes lost their lives during the swim has hit everyone hard. Whilst we will celebrate the achievements of our members, we continue to express our sympathies to the Wall and Chittenden families, and support to our own members, some of whose race day experiences were traumatic and the opposite of the joyful experience we all expect.