Picture special: Maghera strongmen impress at European Championships

Maghera’s Wallace Clarke gained 4th place in the 90kg class at the recent European Strongest Man Championships in Belfast - he was the only competitor from Ireland.
Pearse O'Kane makes it look easy at the European Strongman Championships in Belfast.Pearse O'Kane makes it look easy at the European Strongman Championships in Belfast.
Pearse O'Kane makes it look easy at the European Strongman Championships in Belfast.

Robert Clarke (gained 5th) and Pearse O’Kane (gained 6th place) in the 105kgs class.

There was a third competitor from Ireland in the 105kg class.

Robert is Wallace’s nephew. Pearse, Robert and Wallace all train together in Maghera Strength Athletes Club.

Pearse O'Kane makes it look easy at the European Strongman Championships in Belfast.Pearse O'Kane makes it look easy at the European Strongman Championships in Belfast.
Pearse O'Kane makes it look easy at the European Strongman Championships in Belfast.

Wallace’s events included the duck walk and yoke, deadlift, Ireland carry, Viking press, car grip hold and the farmers walk.

The 105kg events for Robert and Pearse were load and drag, axle press, car deadlift for reps, sword hold, frame carry and 4 object loading event.

Competitors came from all over Europe- Italy, Turkey, Lithuania, Austria, England, Scotland, Wales, the Netherlands sent their top lifters to compete in what could only be described as wintery weather as, on Saturday, the downpours rarely stopped.