WHO'S THE NEW DADDY?

Sixteen strongmen in total will be aiming to win the trophy and organiser Glenn Ross, himself a former Northern Irish International Strongman and Powerlifter who has represented Ireland and the UK in three World's Strongest Man competitions and various World Grand Prix and European Team competitions, is promising an evening not to be missed.

“There is plenty of local interest with Neil Beggs, a five time runner up and Richard McAvoy who won the Irish Open Championship by beating Beggs in the final. Richard is only 21 as well so he really is one for the future,” said Glenn.

“We’ve also got three absolute monsters coming up to compete. Peter Dunlop from Bushmills who has won the Novice Ireland’s Strongest Man and Novice Finn McCool Trophy; Jason Reilly from Dublin who is a former Republic of Ireland’s Strongest Man and Dave Warner who is the first four-time Ireland's Strongest Man champion.”

As Glenn explained a lot of training has to go into preparing for an event such as this.

“The guys have to do a lot of work with their forearms and a lot of wrist training too. They also have to do a lot of finger exercises so they are going to the gym and doing a lot of weights.

“There’s also a lot of speed involved as the quicker you get to the snap once the referee lets go of the hands then the better the advantage you have.”

Glenn encouraged people to come down and watch the event in the Downshire and said that anyone who attends is in for an entertaining evening of sport.

“It’s great craic,” he said. “There’s a great atmosphere - it’s a bit like the darts because you’re up close to the action and there’s plenty of taunting of the competitiors, but it’s all good, clean fun.

“It’s a night not to be missed. If you like seeing big strongmen in competitive action then come along and join in the craic!”