OTC duo complete 'Ironman Omagh' in aid of Air Ambulance NI

OMAGH'S only two double-Ironmen, Damian O’Hagan and Shane McGale, tackled 'Ironman Omagh' - a long-distance triathlon based entirely in and around Omagh Leisure Centre.

The men challenged themselves to the endurance event and decided to do it to raise much-needed funds for Air Ambulance NI.

This mammoth challenge consisted of a 3.8km swim (152 lengths of the swimming pool), a 180km cycle done entirely on the stationary bike in the Omagh Leisure Centre front reception, and a 42.2km run done in 105.5 laps around the running track.

The men began early last Friday morning and had support all day from club-members, family, friends and the wider Omagh community.

A spokesperson for Omagh Triathlon Club (OTC) said: "The final amount of money raised is still being counted, but we know the two men have put in some serious hard work to donate as much as they can this Christmas."

Elsewhere, Ciaran Breen and Niamh Heaney were on their travels in Qatar this weekend for the T100 World Championships.

The swim began in the warm waters between the mainland and the Qetaifan Islands, where a single loop made up the 2km.

Due to the conditions, this swim was a non-wetsuit swim but that didn't deter the pair as they flew around the course.

Ciaran emerged from the water in 39mins 9secs, whilst Niamh completed the 2k in 41mins 6secs.

The 80km cycle was made up of a 20km loop to be completed four times, and the flat course meant some fantastic times were put out.

Ciaran completed the bike in 2hrs 20mins 17secs, with Niamh dismounting after 2hrs 34mins 8secs.

Lastly it was time for the run. The heat didn't let up and these two didn't either as they rallied around the streets of Lusail chasing that chequered flag.

Three out-and-back laps made up the 20km and it was Niamh who set the pace with a fantastic 1hr 25mins 42secs. Ciaran wasn't far behind in 1hr 27mins 48secs.

Ciaran's finish time of 04.35.37 was enough for 10th in his category, and Niamh placed fifth in hers with 04.48.20.