West Belfast Sinn Féin Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

West Belfast 'It's a Knockout' competition launched by local sporting personalities

Published: 23 June, 2009

The West Belfast 'It's a Knockout' event was launched today, Tuesday 23rd June, outside the offices of Feile an Phobail, the West Belfast festival group, on the Falls Road.

Present at the launch were Sean Paul O'Hare, Feile an Phobail director; Harry Connolly, Failte Feirste Thiar (West Belfast Tourism office) director; Martin Rogan, Irish heavyweight boxing champion; Jane Adams, Antrim and Rossa camogie captain; Terence 'Sambo' McNaughton, Antrim hurling manager and Paddy Cunningham, Antrim football captain.

Speaking at the launch, Feile director Sean Paul O'Hare said:

'''It's a Knockout' will take place on Sunday 9th August in the Falls Park , commencing at 1pm.

''The event has been organised by Gort na Mona Historical and Cultural Society in conjunction with Failte Feirste Thiar (West Belfast Tourism Office) and Feile an Phobail (West Belfast Festival group).

''In addition to the competition, a family fun day will also take place in the park at the same time with bouncy castles, games and treats for all the kids.

''We are encouraging families to come to the Falls Park on Sunday 9th August and enjoy what we have to offer.

''This action packed day is a new and exciting addition to the Feile programme. It takes place on the final day of this year's festival and no doubt will prove to be a big hit. Feile an Phobail are delighted to be associated with this great event and we are sure that this years event will be the first of many.''

Gerard Fleming, from Gort na Mona Historical Society, said:

''The 'It's a Knockout' contest is aimed at all the community. Like many groups we find it hard to raise much needed funds to carry out our programme of work so a number of us came up with this idea that allows community groups, youth clubs, charities, sporting organisations etc to raise much needed finance and most importantly provides the community of West Belfast a terrific opportunity to have a good laugh at itself!''

Harry Connolly, from Failte Feirste Thiar, said:

''Fáilte Feirste Thiar are delighted to fully support and endorse the inaugural 'It's a Knockout' competition. This event will be sure to capture the imagination of not just locals but indeed the many thousands of visitors that flock to West Belfast during the Feile. It will also contribute to the development of what West Belfast has to offer the tourist.''