WHILE the sole discipline of golf on one property, Royal Portrush in Co Antrim, was the focus of attention among most sports fans in Northern Ireland last weekend, things were a lot more complicated for the organisers (the North Down Branch), competitors and supporters involved in the Area 17 Tetrathlon in Co Down.

The swim and shooting phases were held on Saturday morning at the Ards Leisure Centre in Newtownards after which the action moved on to the run which was staged at the Lagan family’s nearby Florida Manor Estate. From there, most headed straight down to Hazeldene Farm, Ballynahinch – not just because that was where the ride phase was to take place on Sunday but it was also the venue for Saturday night’s Wild West-themed party.