Cheers galore as Drumlish women claim silverware at Longford strongwoman event

The owners of Midlands Strength Gym in Longford were blown away and delighted by the success of hosting Strongwoman Ireland’s first league event competition recently.

A total of 14 beginner athletes and 10 novice athletes participated and hundreds of spectators enjoyed the competitions and positive atmosphere on Sunday, April 13.

There were smiles and cheers as two local Drumlish women took home silverware with Kirsty Smyth winning a trophy in the novice category and Amy McCormack claiming a runner-up medal in the beginner section.

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April Dardis, from Forgney, Ballymahon opened the Midlands Strength operation in Longford town last September with her fiancé David Harrington and she said the Strongwoman league event was 'brilliant'.

She stated three other local Drumlish-based competitors Martina Donnelly, Thelma Fanning and Teresa Kane all ranked very highly finishing in fourth, fifth and sixth place respectively in the novice category.

"We were blown away by the success, it was really successful.

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"We worked tirelessly to make it successful but I suppose we didn't expect it to be as big as it was.

"It was brilliant and there were a few hundred people there who travelled from all over the country," she added.

Strongwoman and strongman competitions are one of he fastest growing sporting activities in the country and it is flourishing in Longford and the Midlands.

The success of the Midlands Strength can be put down to the enthusiasm and passion for the sport that April and Dave have and the pair are both hugely talented and successful athletes themselves.

David is currently the holder of Ireland’s Strongest Natural Master in the U90kg weight category and April was Ireland’s Strongest Natural Woman in the U57kg class last year and a runner-up this year.

The Strongwoman Ireland committee was formed in 2021 to support and promote Irish athletes competing internationally and in 2023 the first Strongwoman League was held.