GAA SuperStars Challenge

[county derry post]

(From derrygaa.ie)
Ten of Ulster's foremost GAA personalities will be on hand this Saturday as the 'Superstars Challenge' is officially launched at Bellaghy GAA (11am).

Based on the International Superstars idea, the event is an all-around sports competition that pits elite athletes from different sports against one another in a series of athletic events resembling a decathlon.

With the Challenge due to take place on 28th December, all proceeds raised will go to Marie Curie Cancer Care – an organisation playing a vital role in supporting cancer sufferers and their families.

The organisers believe the event – a first for the GAA – will capture the imagination of the general public building up to the unique December show-down.

Former Derry footballer and member of the organising committee, Ronan Rocks, explained what the next few months will involve:

"We will have our launch this weekend but that's only the start.

"The key fundraising campaign centres around ten star GAA players from throughout Ulster participating in a series of events throughout the day. We feel this event will appeal to the wider community. To have ten high profile sporting stars competing against each other in a unique event will obtain the much needed funds as well as generate a vast awareness of the event and associated sponsors throughout."

Already ahead of the game, organisers have set up Twitter (@SuperSCh) and Facebook pages to keep people informed and up to date with latest developments.

Ten local companies have already agreed sponsorship of the participants and it is hoped that the wider public will contribute further to what will be a unique event this December.

The 2013 event will also seek to raise awareness for another worthy cause, as Rocks explains:

"We have also decided that through this campaign we want to continue to raise awareness for the "Opt for Life" campaign and we are delighted to have Joe Brolly, who is a strong campaigner for this worthy cause, within our fundraising committee." explained Rocks.

Further event information and background

Athletes can compete in up to eight of the ten events, with no-one generally allowed to take part in their own sport, although some handicapping rules do apply.

Competitors participate in a range of different sporting events, including a 100m sprint, 800 metres (0.50 mi) run, obstacle course or Steeplechase, weightlifting, football, rowing, tennis, basketball, bicycle racing, shooting and swimming. The sports used have varied over time and between the various international competitions.

Points are awarded for the position in which the competitor places in each event. The competitor with the most points at the end of all the events is declared the champion.

How would you like to see Ulster GAA's Finest compete in such an event???

Could Ryan Bell beat Marty McGrath in a full length of the field sprint???

Could Aaron Kernan do more press ups than Michael McCann???

Could Owen Mulligan bench press more than Kieran Hughes???

Just some of the examples that only a Superstars challenge could bring!

Competitors:

(1) Ryan Bell (Derry) Nicholl Oils
(2) Owen Mulligan (Tyrone) O'Neills
(3) Michael McCann (Antrim) Creagh Concrete
(4) Eamon McGee (Donegal) H & A Mechanical
(5) Darren Hughes (Monaghan) Bannvale Credit Union
(6) Kevin McKernan (Down) Mac Trailers
(7) Marty McGrath (Fermanagh) DPD
( Marty Dunne (Cavan) Kingspan
(9) Aaron Kernan (Armagh) SDC
(10) Fergal Doherty (Bellaghy) Specialist Joinery Fittings

[rodney trotter]

Never heard Martin Dunne known as Marty before, he will hardly be doing much with a County final the following day.

[cornerback]

Never heard Martin Dunne known as Marty before, he will hardly be doing much with a County final the following day.

County final on 29th December??? 

Just being launched this Saturday; Challenge taking place on the 28th December.

[rodney trotter]

Never heard Martin Dunne known as Marty before, he will hardly be doing much with a County final the following day.

County final on 29th December??? 

Just being launched this Saturday; Challenge taking place on the 28th December.

He will have a bit of time to prepare for it so. Lot of players could be tipsy around that time of year.

[nrico2006]

Would love to see a 100m race between Kerrigan, Cavanagh, Wallace, McCaffrey, Loughrey, Darren O'Sullivan, Penrose and Keith Higgins.

[Walter Cronc]

Would love to see a 100m race between Kerrigan, Cavanagh, Wallace, McCaffrey, Loughrey, Darren O'Sullivan, Penrose and Keith Higgins.

You can cut Cavanagh/Penrose out immediately. Wallace/Mc Caffrey in a league of their own there.

[BallyhaiseMan]

Shooting??
Thats not really fair on McGee or Martin Dunne,seeing as all the 6 county lads probably have more "trigger" experience 

[God14]

Would love to see a 100m race between Kerrigan, Cavanagh, Wallace, McCaffrey, Loughrey, Darren O'Sullivan, Penrose and Keith Higgins.

You can cut Cavanagh/Penrose out immediately. Wallace/Mc Caffrey in a league of their own there.

Id put good money on Wallace to win that sprint.
Cavanagh would struggle for the first 15meters in that field, but  he'd be flying at the death. Second.

[supersub]

He'd prob haul down whoever is in first place and make both of them not finish.

[muppet]

Would love to see a 100m race between Kerrigan, Cavanagh, Wallace, McCaffrey, Loughrey, Darren O'Sullivan, Penrose and Keith Higgins.

You can cut Cavanagh/Penrose out immediately. Wallace/Mc Caffrey in a league of their own there.

Id put good money on Wallace to win that sprint.
Cavanagh would struggle for the first 15meters in that field, but  he'd be flying at the death. Second.

Cavanagh wouldn't feature at all.

Wallace & McCaffrey certainly look quick but I wouldn't rule out Higgins. Higgins made Kerrigan's pace look ordinary in 2011 but that was when Kerrigan had the ball, it would be interesting to see him in a straight sprint.

[rrhf]

Id love to see the Mayo forwards compete in a shoot out. 

[CD]

He'd prob haul down whoever is in first place and make both of them not finish.

LOL - you lads never miss a chance!!

[Wildweasel74]

going off that list i fancy Mckeran of down, looked a great all rounder when i seen him this year. dont know about big Fergal been in there, hes got severe back issue and there times i surprised to even him on the football field this year, destroy anybody on the weights but not much else compared to the man he was 10yrs ago