Beech Hill Blues a team of Irish men win the World Tug of War Championships for England in Dundalk.
For the first time ever, the World Tug of War Championships is being held in Ireland. Teams from 12 countries compete at the event held in Oriel Park, Dundalk, County Louth.
Winners of the 640 kilos Championship are England, with the Beech Hill Blues club based in Luton, Bedfordshire. The team consists of eight pullers, two substitutes and a coach.
The Beech Hill Blues team is made up of Irishmen working in England. They include John Dowd from County Cavan, Arthur Stewart from County Donegal, Pat Delaney from County Tipperary, Gerry Mulholland from County Tyrone, Eddie Hamilton from County Monaghan, Pat King from County Louth, Pat McElligot from County Kerry and Des Creamer from County Leitrim.
Pat McElligot praises all of those involved in Beech Hill Blues long haul to the top level in tug of war.
It's taken 7-10 years for to get us here today.
Des Creamer jokes that he got involved with tug of war,
To get me off the beer.
He asserts tug of war is a difficult sport involving a lot of training.
Frank King’s agrees,
If you want to be a good tug of war man it comes from hard training and dedication.
A diet rich in steak, raw eggs, fresh food, honey and milk is also important.
Some of Frank King’s brothers are on the Dromin team representing Ireland in the World Tug of War Championships. At one time he pulled with them, but has seen his ability improve since he started pulling for Beech Hill Blues.
This episode of 'Sports Stadium’ was broadcast on 16 September 1978. The reporter is Noel Andrews.
