Longford town to roll out red carpet for wrestling extravaganza

The Golden Era of the sport threw up names like Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant; figures who continue to be icons of popular culture. Today's names may not be as well known among the general public, but their fan base are even more enthusiastic about the sport they love.

One of those supporters is Granard wrestling superfan Conor Brady Lee. Conor's commitment to wrestling is beyond that of a viewer.

“I've been training and performing in professional wrestling for over five years now,” Conor told the Leader “On August 13th I will be bringing my home promotion and training school on the road to the Temperance Hall in Longford.”

Growing up in Longford was not a hotbed of wrestling, but this didn't stop Conor pursuing his dream: “I just started watching it on TV.
“Once I saw an Irish wrestler called Seamus becoming extremely successful, winning a world championship, it blew my mind. It made me realise it was possible to achieve in the sport.”

Conor's ambition brought him to Fight Factory Pro Wrestling, the longest running training school in Ireland.

Fight Factory has links to many WWE stars such as Finn Balor who had initially opened the school. Other notable alumni include; Becky Lynch, Lyra Valkeria, JD McDonagh.

“Being part of Fight Factory has been a huge part of my own development. It has gone beyond a hobby, it's something I have dedicated my life to in many ways,” Conor said of his passion.

It's a major commitment. Conor spends up to four days a week wrestling training, each session two hours long.

Then there's gym work four days a week: “It's an intensive way to look after yourself. On top of that I watch a lot of wrestling and keep up with wrestling news.”

The theatre of wrestling franchises, like the WWE, sometimes detracts from the athleticism of the exponents.

Conor's engagement in the sport gives him an appreciation of the commitment necessary: “I do watch mixed martial arts, like the UFC, if there is a big fight on, but I really enjoyed Olympic wrestling.

“There have been Olympic gold medallists, like Kurt Angle, who joined the WWE.”

Conor is looking forward to bringing wrestling to Longford: “This event means a great deal to me both professionally and personally as I get to represent both Fight Factory and Longford in a unique way. I am making my dreams of wrestling a reality by bringing this show home.”

The family friendly, all ages pro wrestling show is live in Longford's Temperance Hall on Sunday, August 13 at 2:30 – 5:30pm.

Tickets on Eventbrite.