Many of the country’s leading GAA stars will line up on Saturday in Bray Emmets for the 13th annual All Ireland Kick Fada competition at Old Conna (1.0 start)

There have been a number of great champions in the history of the competition with Mark Herbert (Kildare) leading the way with four titles to his credit. Offaly’s Padraig Kelly was a double winner in his time and both will be seeking to make history by returning this weekend to claim the top prize. Other notable winners were Armagh’s Paul Hearty and Mayo’s Fintan Ruddy.

Last year Monaghan’s Shane Duffy came through a crowded pack to claim the ultimate honour but Wicklow’s Tony Hannon and Dublin’s Mark Vaughan are a among a number of stars who could be pushing to become the new champion come Saturday evening. 

The star-studded list will also feature three Sheridans – Meath brothers Joe and Brian, and Longford’s Damien, the latter two being past champions. Others taking part include Ross Munnelly (Laois), Dick Clerkin, Darren Hughes and Paul Finlay (Monaghan) and Paddy and Felim O’Rourke (Meath).

The Kick Fada determines who is the longest and most accurate kicker of a Gaelic football in Ireland. Competitors must kick the ball over the bar through specific competition goalposts twice the width of conventional goal sizes.

Meath’s Irene Munnelly will face stiff competition to retain her Ladies All Ireland Kick Fada title against the biggest field ever assembled in this category, including former three-time winner Mary Sheridan and  Wicklow’s Emer Miley.