Kelly striving for third kick fada title
Offaly's Paraic Kelly will defend his MBNA Kick Fada crown at Bray Emmets GAA club on Saturday, September 9.
The Faithfuls' goalkeeper, who won the 2005 event with a kick of 63 metres, will return as he attempts to retain the title for the second successive year.
The Co Wicklow venue will see more than 20 stars of Gaelic football compete at the seventh annual running of the Kick Fada.
Kelly, amongst others, will be attempting to break the current All-Ireland and World record of 72 metres, set by four-time Kick Fada champion Mark Herbert (Kildare).
The Ballyteague man set the mark in 2001.
The 2006 competition was launched at Croke Park this afternoon by reigning champion Kelly and Dublin midfielder Ciaran Whelan.
The senior men's and ladies' champions will receive an MBNA Kick Fada All-Ireland medal, with the overall winning kicker receiving the MBNA Kick Fada champion trophy.
Bertrand Boisse, MBNA Ireland's customer marketing manager, said at the launch: "Over the past seven years some of the biggest names in Gaelic football have turned out for the MBNA Kick Fada to compete for the All-Ireland title, and this year will be no different.
"The competition is a unique test of skill. Bray Emmets' new facilities at Old Conna in Bray are a credit to the club and we look forward to a great family day out next month."
