More success for Doherty brothers

DOUBLE SUCCESS Westport native Con Doherty is seen here crossing the finish line in first place after his European gold medal in Malmo.

Ger Flanagan

THE well-known Doherty siblings in Westport had a busy and decorated couple of weeks in the world of athletics, with Con, Aaron and Ethan all tasting success at various ages and events.
International triathlete Con has came into an incredible run of form, landing himself on two European podiums in as many weeks.
Just over two weeks ago Doherty claimed a gold medal in the Malmo ETU Sprint Triathlon European Cup, having finished second in both 2017 and 2018. The gold medal means Doherty now boasts gold medals from Oceanian, African and European Cup events.
Doherty followed up that win with a silver medal in the Kecskemét Triathlon in Hungary, where he was ranked number one heading into the race.
Only three seconds seperated Doherty and the eventual winner, Nathan Grayel, when they crossed the line.
“I was a bit nervous to be honest but wearing number one I kinda said ‘I am strong and [need to] have a bit of faith in my ability and play to my strengths’, he said afterwards. “We came around to the 180 turn before the finish and I went around to try and see if I could go but as soon as I went he [Grayel] kicked and I just didn’t have it on the day.
“I gave it everything and I made the most out of the situation so I’m pretty happy.”
The double success is a huge boost for Doherty, whose attention now shifts to the biggest race of the year – the World Triathlon Grand Final in Switzerland.

MEANWHILE, younger brother Aaron finished in an impressive fifth place at the Elite National Championships at the Dublin City Triathlon.
Doherty lost some time to the leading pack on the swim before working his way up through the field on his bike. He was in amongst a group of four battling it out for second place after Kieran Jackson romped home, but just lost ground in the final 5km run to finish a very credible fifth place.
Not to be outdone, the youngest of the Doherty clan showed that he was a chip off the old block by winning a gold medal at the Community Games National Cycling Championships.
Ethan Doherty won the gold medal for the Under-14 Boys Cycling on Grass category and is already showing the promise his elder brothers did at the same age.