<p>As many of you may know, last year I became addicted to triathlon, completing 3 sprint distance and 2 olympic distance. As many of you may not know, I am an Irish citizen and, crucially, Ireland do not have a very strong triathlon team. So I am able to proudly (and slowly) represent them at this year's European Age-Group (40-45) Championships in April in Eilat, Israel. Having passed my 40 milestone this year, I also have a natural 5 year advantage on some of these guys...</p> <p>It will be hot, I will be intimidated and jet lagged, and so I will need the added motivation of sponsorship - so please donate what you can. The causes are good ones - Hospiscare helped my mum to be at home in the last few weeks of her life - they do great work, as does the whole Hospice movement.&nbsp;</p> <p>Embarrasing pictures of me sweating and throwing up to follow on completion....</p>