Short video titled 'First or Last'

A short video was released recently about Chris Mintern of Leevale AC, one of the leading figures on the Cork triathlon scene.  It is called “First or Last” and follows Chris around during summer 2014.

The film was made by a crew of four, two of whom are also Leevale members, Irene Hartigan and Rob Patterson. It also features Donie Walsh and other images from Leevale training at the Mardyke track.



Press Release.......
‘Barefoot Runner’ Film up for Prize......... It’s not everyday you see a top-level athlete running barefoot along a country road, bicycle in tow. This is, however, the opening scene of FIRST OR LAST, a sports documentary about young Cork triathlete, Chris Mintern, which has been nominated for Outdoor/Adventure Film of the Year 2014.

At the time, July 2014, Chris was competing in his first Olympic distance triathlon at the Little Bo Peep in Kenmare, Co. Kerry and encountered a triathlete’s worst enemy, a puncture (Spoiler alert!!). By the end of that season, Chris’ first season as a senior triathlete, he had won 12 triathlons including the Intervarsity National Championships and Munster Championships. The film also follows Chris as he competes in the iconic Lee Swim. Chris had competed in this swim many times, but had never won it, that is, until 2014. The small film crew had their work cut out for them trying to keep up with Chris along the various race circuits, even with 2 people on bikes and one in a car!

Director, Eamonn Dunne, who works in the camera department in TG4’s Ros na Rún, commented that “We knew it was going be a high energy project, but didn’t expect so many highs and lows on the track. It all adds to the drama of the film and we’re so pleased to be included in this national film competition.”

The film visits top triathlete Trevor Woods at the UCC Human Performance Laboratory and also has contributions from World Open Water Swimming Man of the Year 2012, Steve Redmond. Mintern, who is just 22 years old, is a member of the Triathlon Ireland U23 Development Squad and will be targeting some international events in 2015 along with major domestic races. Chris also finds the time to study Maths at UCC and is in second year.

FIRST OR LAST premiered at Indie Cork in 2014 as one of “50 Best Irish Shorts”. It has also been selected for Dingle International Film Festival this March. The winning Outdoor/Adventure Film will be decided by public vote and you can cast your vote at this link.

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