IRC stands for Internet Relay Chat.

Inside the computer system, this means the programs participate in a fun little Relay Race to transmit your messages.

Relay races usually involve passing a baton. Owing to the function of batons inside the computer world, this means the relay race is a form of triathlon 

The runner carrying the baton passes it to the lightcyclist, who activates it for the cycling portion of the race. Who then trades it in for a lightjet baton to relay to the pilot, who completes the final aeronautics portion.