The Mayor of Newry and Mourne District Council, Councillor Daire Hughes presided at the launch of the second annual Newry City Festival of Water and Newry City Triathlon. He was delighted to announce that the title sponsor of this year's Triathlon would be firmus energy, the local natural gas company and also confirmed that the Department of Social Development and Peace III Southern Partnership have provided the necessary funding to host the Festival of Water on the Canal.
Michael Scott, general manager of firmus energy, commented; ‘This exciting event is bringing sports such as swimming, cycling and running, to an even wider audience, as well as showcasing Newry as leaders in sporting excellence.
“firmus energy has been active across the City since 2007, bringing the environmental and cost-saving benefits of natural gas. We have laid more than 80 km of pipes and connected around 1,600 homes and businesses along the way.
“We hope that our support of the firmus energy Newry City triathlon will ‘energise’ the programme of activities around the Newry City Festival of Water even further! I know registrations are exceeding expectations and that our support will allow the competition to be opened up to even more entrants.’
Both these exciting events will take place on Sunday 31st August 2014.The firmus energy triathlon will comprise of a 750m open water swim in Newry Canal, followed by a 20km closed road cycle culminating in a 5km flat run that takes in key attractions around the City.
Registration for the firmus energy Newry City Triathlon is now open and anyone wishing to take part should visit the website for more information and registration www.firmusenergynewrycitytriathlon.com
Speaking at the Launch Mayor Hughes said:
“My Council is delighted to be associated with both these events which will showcase the new Public Realm Scheme along the Canal Bank. I would like to take this opportunity of thanking our title sponsor firmus energy and the Department of Social Development for their generous sponsorship”
All relevant information regarding these events is available on the Council’s website and facebook page. Entry fee for the Triathlon is £25 and each participant will receive a complimentary t-shirt and finisher’s award.
Details of the Festival of Water will be available through the Council’s Community Services Department and firmus energy Newry City Triathlon Website www.firmusenergynewrycitytriathlon.com in the near future. It is anticipated that both these events will attract huge attendances which will no doubt create a great festival in the City.
