Sandy McDonald had the honor of presenting Ian Barnes with a Life Membership to our Club at our presentation night this year, in recognition of outstanding service to our club. We share with you some reflections from fellow life members Claire Farrer and Leigh McCarthy;
Claire;
“I first met Barnsey when he did the Killarney Triathlon for the first time, I think it was 2013. As a participant, Barnsey’s easy going manner and infectious enthusiasm make events that much more fun. As a committee member and then President, his dedication to introducing and encouraging beginner triathletes, and to grow and develop the club has been inspirational. Even as a former president myself, I cant begin to comprehend the number of hours that Barnsey would have dedicated to this club over the past 8 or 9 years. Leading a community club of any kind on a voluntary basis is a daunting task but Barnsey has taken to it like a duck to water. With the amazing support of Nic, Barnsey has become the heat and soul of this Club, and it’s no coincidence that the club has just seen one of its biggest and best years yet. If I could use one word to describe Barnsey, it it selfless. He is constantly putting others before himself and this can be seen through the number of training sessions he organizes for others. He is happy to go for a run with a newbie at a 6:!5 page just to encourage them, when we all know he can run so much faster. He is happy to organize and coordinate swimming sessions, despite putting all of his energy into ensuring everyone else knows what they are doing and maybe only doing half a session himself. He is happy to spend 10 minutes in every transition just to make the rest of us feel better about our transition times … oh actually… maybe he is just really bad at transitions ;) I adore and admire Barnsey as a friend, a Clubman, a triathlete, a coach and most of all as just a bloody good person. Congratulations on your life membership accolade Barnsey, I couldn’t think of a more deserving recipient”
Leigh;
“Barnsey, I really want to congratulate you on receiving your life membership to the Tri Club, it is more than thoroughly deserved given your massive contribution to the club over many years. The way you approach the sport of triathlon and the club, to just have fun and participate is absolutely fantastic and is a great example to others to not take themselves too seriously, myself included! When I was racing it was all about the flashiest bike, fastest wheels, aero helmets and most expensive wetsuit, but you show the true spirit of what it is all about, participation and inclusion. I have never seen you without a smile on your face and a big friendly greeting, this rubs off on everyone around you. That you have been such a huge contributor to the club in so many ways and the amount of time you have put in is amazing. What takes it to another level is what yourself and Nicole have endured over the past few years. Your love and unwavering support of Nicole is just an inspiration, to donate a kidney, then return to complete in Ironman is truly something else and the best bit is the support and love Nicole shows in return. Nicole is always by your side, always smiling herself, cheering you on when you are racing and assisting with tri club events in any way she can. You truly are an incredible couple. So well done Barnsey on your achievement!”
Congratulation Barnsey – and thank you on behalf of all current and past committee, our clubs members and participants, for your dedication to our club and for leading from the front to make this a club people are really proud to be a member of.
