Local Authority Gives Patrickswell Club A Lift

The Bruff Area Committee of Limerick County Council hosted the event in recognition of the club’s successful participation in the European and World Championships.

Players and members were presented with individual ‘Recognition of Achievement Certificates’.

Powerlifting is a strength sport, consisting of three events: the squat, the bench press, and the deadlift. The sport resembles Olympic weightlifting because it involves lifting heavy weights in three attempts.

The call to honour Patrickswell Powerlifting Club was made at a recent meeting of Limerick County Council by Patrickswell native and Fianna Fail Deputy Niall Collins.

According to Councillor John Clifford, Chairman of the Bruff Electoral Area Committee, "The achievements of Patrickswell Powerlifting Club are nothing short of outstanding when you consider the short length of time that the club has been in existence. The Patrickswell Powerlifters have not lost in any competition since their beginnings in 2004."

He added, "Patrickswell Powerlifting Club continues to go from strength to strength, quite literally, under the watchful eye of their Coach, President and leading member, Gerard McNamara. I am delighted that this competitive and hugely successful sporting organisation is now being officially recognised by its own county."

Patrickswell Powerlifting Club acquired their existing premises at Main Street, Patrickswell four years ago. The club consists of nine senior members, fourteen junior members and two ladies members. All members train four times a week, each session lasting approximately 90 minutes.

Club members recently returned from the European Championships in the Czech Republic, having already achieved numerous successes at the World Championships in Canada.

Patrickswell Powerlifting Club accolades:
- Gerard McNamara (Small Ger) - World Power Lifting Championships, 2007, 67.5 KG Category, European Champion, 2008, (his 20th Title)
- Petra Stumpfova (A Man) - World Champion and World Record holder - 75KG Category for Ladies
- Pat Slattery (The Grinder) - Irish Champion 2007 - 100KG Category
- Christopher Moore (Young Samson) - Irish Champion 2007 and 2008 – Special Needs Category
- Dave Fitzhenry (Fat Dave) - World Champion, 2007, Bench Pressing, 150KG Plus Category, and European Championships, 2008, 150KG Plus Category – full competition which consists of Bench Press, Squat and Bench Lift
- Denis Lawlor (Dinny) - European Championships, 2008, second in the 60KG Class
- Eoin O’Neill (Eony) - Irish Junior Champion – 110KG Class

-ENDS-

Notes to Editors:
- For further information please call Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 086-8534900 or media@dunphypr.com
- High resolution images taken at the ceremony are available on request

Mark Dunphy
Dunphy Public Relations
www.dunphypr.com
00353-868534900 (mobile)
00353-656839692 (fax)