Big thank you from Lisburn.com

Strongmen thrill large crowd at Wallace Park

Deputy Mayor of Lisburn City Council Alderman Paul  Porter  
Deputy Mayor of Lisburn City Council Alderman Paul  Porter struggles to lift the car as he gets inspiration from James Fennelly from Kilkenny, and Glenn Ross, four time UK's strongest man. 

COLERAINE'S Dave Warner was crowned Ireland's Strongest Man and took the coveted Finn McCool Trophy at the 10th Anniversary of the Irish Strength Association at Wallace Park in Lisburn last Saturday.

The event was witnessed by over 3,000 people with plenty on offer surrounding the All Ireland Competition including magic shows, kids rides and street entertainers followed by a Glam Rock concert.

The event was organised by The Irish Strength Association, in association with Lisburn City Council, and attracted the best competitors from Northern Ireland and the Republic who were also competing for a place in the UK Championships in August.

Visitors watched as the big men did the Car Deadlift, the Truck Pull, Double Car Roll, the Log Lift, and finished with the well-known Atlas Stones.'

Four times UK Strongest Man, Irish international Strongman and Powerlifter Glenn Ross said: "We, at the Irish Strength Association, are very pleased with outcome of the competition staged in Wallace Park, Lisburn.

"We had the best 10 competitors from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland in fierce competition, with a number of personal bests being achieved on the day. The prospect of bringing another final of the All Ireland Strong Man Competition to Lisburn will definitely be considered."

Winner of the car deadlift, James Fennelly from Kilkenny. Winner Dave Warner from Coleraine lifting the — log. 
Winner of the car deadlift, James Fennelly from Kilkenny.   Winner Dave Warner from Coleraine lifting the — log.

The competition was one of the highlights of Lisburn City Council's 400th Anniversary programme of events.

Final placings of Ireland's Strongest Man 2009: 1 Dave Warner - Co L/Derry, 2 James Fennelly - Co Kilkenny; 3rd - Eoin Shannahan - Co Tipperary, 4th - Bertie Clarke - Co Tyrone, 5th - Daniel Gannon - Co Wexford, 6th - Chris McNaughton - Co Antrim,; 7th -Jonathan Kelly - Co Antrim, 8th - Ross Tweedy - Co Wexford, 9th - Martin Gallen - Co Donegal, 10th - Ricky Martin - Co Armagh.

Ulster Star
03/07/2009