Bumper weekend in Athlone with River Festival and triAthlone

The River Shannon will come alive with the 2018 Athlone River Festival this weekend, while up to 800 people will take part in this year's triAthlone event tomorrow.
The event begins tomorrow, Saturday, with the IWAI Motor Cruiser flotilla sail-past and arrival into the town, prior to the start of the TriAthlone, which also takes place tomorrow.
On Sunday, the activities start at 10am with the very popular Junior Fishing Competition organised by Athlone Anglers, followed by a variety of activities, including a sailing demonstration, rowing races, sub aqua demo, flyboarding and the main event, the RNLI Raft Races at 4pm. 
Damien Delaney, volunteer member of Lough Ree RNLI said: "Lough Ree RNLI Lifeboat has received huge support from the communities around Lough Ree and we would like to repay the community with a fun-filled water-based weekend for all to enjoy.”
A full timetable and further information can be found on the RNLI River Festival Facebook page,www.facebook.com/athloneRNLIriverfestival.

Meanwhile, increased numbers are expected to take part in this year's triAthlone event tomorrow.

Last year, 580 people took part in the swimming, cycling and running challenge, and this is expected to increase to almost 800 this year.
The triAthlone has taken place annually since 2006.
This year's event will start at 3pm tomorrow.
The bulk of the road closures will be in place from 1pm to 7pm.
These will involve the closure of the town bridge, Barrack Street, Castle Street, High Street, Bastion Street, O'Connell Street, Connacht Street, Pearse Street, Magazine Road, Canal Banks, and Accommodation Road (R446) from Bright Ideas To Monaghan's pub at the top of the Roscommon Road.
The R446 from Monaghan’s to Shine's pub, Baylough will also be closed from 2pm to 5.30pm tomorrow. The finishing line for the races will be in the Main Street area, behind Athlone Castle.