Strongmen bound for Ballymoney

Over 250 people are expected at the Joey Dunlop Lesiure Centre for the All Ireland Strongest Man Under 90kg Northern Ireland qualifier.

Last year the centre was packed to the rafters for the high-octane event.

Organiser Dave Warner told Times Sport: “This year is set to be better than ever with the calibre of entrants and the events lined up.”

And the incentive is there for local competitors to use the competition to project themselves onto the national stage.

Last year Colin McCrellis took third spot in the British championships having qualified from Ballymoney.

Another treat this year is Gerry McAfee’s participation.

Renowned powerlifter Gerry will be switching disciplines to mix it with the strongmen.

Among the events on show will be the popular stones of strength, log press and axel deadlift.

There will be more than a dozen participants, all gunning to be crowned Northern Ireland champion.

The following week southern finalists will be decided at the second qualifier in Dublin.

The top performers will win a place in the All Ireland final in Letterkenny in July.

The primary sponsors are Complete Gyms, McComb Steel, Abs Gym Services, Absolute Technologies and Elders’ Sweet Heaven.

Admission is just £5 with children getting in for free.

The event gets under way from 12.30pm.