Local Gym ‘The Gym Ballina’ recently organised the ‘Novice Ireland Strongman Competition’ in Market Square Ballina on the 27th July. The event was significant as this was the first time a strongman event of this stature was held in not only Ballina, but the West of Ireland.
Eleven competitors travelled nationwide to compete head to head for the coveted Finn Mc Cool Trophy. Amongst the participants were local residents Kieran Neary, Richard Scott and one of ‘The Gym Ballina’ owners, Stephen Geddes. Each competitor completed a total of 5 grueling events including a Car Deadlift, Axle Press, Truck Pull, Husafel Stone Carry & the Duck Walk/Chain Drag Medley. Hundreds of supporters turned out throughout the afternoon at the Market Square to cheer on the competitors with the local community giving great support to our local participants.
Glenn Ross ‘The Daddy’ a well known competitor and advocate of the sport was also in attendance on the day as an MC and joint organiser of the event. Glenn was assisted by our own Nicola Granahan who was hostess and officially opened the event.

An additional mention should also be given to Stephen Geddes for being one of the main organisers of the Strongman event in Ballina but also as a last minute entry due to a competitor withdrawing 15 minutes prior to the event starting. He then went on to win the Truck Pull event which involved pulling a 7-tonne truck over a 20 meters distance in the quickest time. The overall winner of the Ballina Strongman event was Matthew McCoy from Belfast who put in a stellar performance winning 3 of the overall events.

The success of the event created great awareness for competitive sport as well as fitness and health in the local area and put Ballina and the West of Ireland on the map as a successful event holder and fierce competitor in Strongman competition.