Sheridan claims kick fada title

Longford goalkeeper Damien Sheridan won the MBNA All-Ireland Kick Fada title at Bray Emmets GAA Club this afternoon.

In the 10th running of the annual event, the Dromard clubman beat off stiff competition from a field of over 20 inter-county stars, including Dublin sharpshooter Bernard Brogan.

Sheridan became the first Longford man to claim the title, courtesy of a kick spanning 65 metres, with Patrick O'Rourke from Meath and Carlow's Paul Broderick his closest rivals.

The women's competition was won by 2008 champion Mary Sheridan from Seneschalstown GAA Club in Co Meath who equalled her previous record of 45 metres.

Sheridan was certainly keeping a family tradition alive, after her brother Brian claimed the men's title last year.

Meanwhile, Dublin Under-21 hurler Kevin O'Loughlin from Kilmacud Crokes won the inaugural Cut Fada, a demonstration of the sideline cut. He fired his effort out to an impressive 65 metres.

GAA President Christy Cooney and RTE commentator Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh were among those who leant their support to the event at the north Wicklow venue.