Stormont Goes Gaelic

There's to be a celebration of Irish sporting activities at the NI Assembly.

'Poc ar an Cnoc' or, Puck on the Hill - is to take place again on the Stormont estate.

The competition organised for Saturday 6th August, as part of a series of GAA focused events during the Belfast Féile an Phobail [festival] has now seen the launch of the second annual festival programme.

Sinn Fein Barry McElduff MLA (pictured left at the launch) said: "Following the huge success of last years inaugural Féile and Phobail's Poc ar an Cnoc, the Stromont Poc Fada, with over 1,000 attending and more taking part in the competitions the event is once again destined for the slopes of Stormont.

"Poc Fada is Irish for a long puck. Competitors must puck a sliotar - a hurling ball - with a hurl over an extended course in the fewest number of hits.

"The concept of the Poc Fada (long puck) is rooted in the legend of Setanta or Cuchulainn, hero of the Ulster Cycles, who as a boy set out from his home for the palace of the High King of Ireland at Eamhain Macha," he said.

"Great names of hurling taking part this year already include Damian Maguire (Carrickmore). Micko Herron and Paul O'Connell from Antrim, Ruairi Convery and Brian Gilligan as well as last years winner Graham Clarke returning to defend his position as the first ever winner of the Edward Carson Cup.

"In terms of Camogs, again we have Jane Adams confirmed with ever greater involvement of Antrim County Hurlers & Camogs as well as representatives from West Belfast Hurlers and Camogs taking part in the ever popular U-10 blitz," he continued.

"The BBC's Mark Sidebottom, the Mayor of Belfast Niall Ó Donnghaile and Gerry Adams TD will also be taking part in the Celebrity Poc Fada.

"On Saturday the 6th of August I would encourage everyone to come along for what will be a fantastic day of activities and Gaelic sport," he concluded.

(BMcC/GK)