Search on for kick fada champ

The search is on again for the longest kicker of a gaelic football in Ireland, both man and woman.

Bray Emmett’s GAA Club, Wicklow, in association with MBNA Europe Bank Limited, are organising the third annual Kick Fada, football’s equivalent of hurling’s Puc Fada.

Details of the competition were announced earlier today at Parnell Park.

Last year saw Mark Herbert from Kildare retain his title with a record-breaking kick of 72m, beating Roscommon’s Derek Thompson and Monaghan’s Glenn Murphy.

The ladies competition was won by Suzanne Hughes from Ballyboden St. Enda’s, again setting a new national record of 52m. The veteran’s section was won by Keith Barr with a kick of 62m.

This year the competition will be held on September 14, with a preliminary qualifier being held on August 10.

The winners in the men’s, ladies and the new Masters’ sections will each receive a holiday to the value of €1,500.

Competitors will be expected to kick at least 45m for men, 35m for ladies to qualify for the main event.