Strongman contest makes a welcome return to Cookstown

This is second time that the event is to be hosted in the Town Centre, following on from the massive success of last year’s event which saw thousands of people travel to Cookstown from all over the Northern Ireland.

Cookstown District Council Chairman Sean Clarke sees the event as another opportunity to support the retail economy in the town.

He said: “Cookstown Town Centre has prospered over the last nine years through significant investment, enhancing its vibrancy and vitality. Events such as this in our Town Centre give us the opportunity to showcase our town and reaffirm its position as the ‘Retail Capital of Mid-Ulster’.”

At today’s official launch 16 competitors for Ulster’s Strongest Man were announced, and towns and cities from across Northern Ireland will be represented in the competition by some of the biggest and strongest men in the sport, who will battle for the coveted Culcullan Warrior Prince Trophy and be crowned Ulster Strongest Man 2012.

The added bonus to this show is the top 5 will qualify for this year’s Ireland Strongest Man, which then leads to qualification for the televised UK Strongest Man.

Main overall sponsor of the event, Signworks, said its dteam were delighted to be associated with Ulster Strong Man Competition.

Noel Hurson, owner of the Company said: “As a local business owner I am delighted to be in a position to support such a fantastic event. Events like these are important for our local community and our town centre. They also help to put Cookstown firmly on the map. The team at Signworks look forward to a great day out.”

Up to 4000 people are expected to line James Street in the town to see the competitors attempt to win the trophy, and road diversions will be in place between 8am – 6pm to allow for the setting up and taking down of the arena.

The competition will take place between 11.30am – 5.00pm on James Street, Cookstown, and involves six main challenge events. The challenge events will begin with an official opening ceremony, conducted by the Chairman of Cookstown District Council and supported by the Master of Ceremonies Glenn Ross, the current UK Strongman.

The challenge events are as follows; Earth Mover sponsored by Signworks; St Patricks Trail Carry sponsored by Evolve Fitness and the Mid-Ulster Sports Arena; The Apollo Axle Wheel Deadlift sponsored by Daddy Promotions; Hercules Hold sponsored by Town Centre Forum; Beaghmore Atlas Stone Lift sponsored by Lafarge and the Olympic Strongman Medley sponsored by the Mid-Ulster Mail AN Tyrone Times.

The Ulster’s Strongest Man Competition is being presented by Cookstown District Council, with Big Daddy Promotions providing the running of the six challenge events. Further details can be obtained from Cookstown Tourist Information Centre on 028 8676 9949 option 2 or by visiting www.cookstown.gov.uk