Dromin king of tug o war days in Dunleer

THE drawing power, or should we say, pulling power, of tugo-war as a sport in County Louth at the moment, was reflected in the turnout at Pairc Ui Muiri, Dunleer, on Wednesday night of last week for the Lannleire G.F.C.’s second annual competition for a splendid challenge trophy —and, on this occasion, an added lure in the shape of a .£75 cash sponsorship by the G.E.C.

A further attraction was the fact that this particular competition was held under lights —the first time possibly for this to happen in the county. The ‘ gate,’ in weather conditions, whilst not a handicap, could have been better, came to the very fine figure of £80.

The only blemish in what proved a satisfying programme, was the fact that the start was delayed a full hour, which, in turn, resulted in the final not being held until well after 11 o’clock, and, especially for people who had to travel, this certainly was on the late side. Another slight disappointment was that the holders, Guinness (Dublin) did not put in an appearance in defence of their title.

In the actual competition, there were no fewer than twelve contests and very worthy winners, after plenty of excitement, was the stalwart Dromin ‘A’ side, who’ve certainly made their mark this year in the sport.

An extremely fit and enthusiastic bunch of lads, they gave a lesson to all in tactics and rhythmic pulling. Working in complete unison (under coach, Noel Curtis), they climaxed a great evening’s work in a convincing victory over their Newry opponents, Fishers, ‘ A,’ in the decider — a success which thrilled the team’s great following.

Winning Dromin ‘A’ team comprised : Gerry King (captain), Tom and Jim King, Paddy McGorman, Tom Gregory, Brendan White, E. Briscoe and Eddie Coy. They were presented with the trophy and £50 by Mr. P. McGeough, Works Director, Electrical Industries of Ireland Ltd. Fishers received £25.

Mr. Jimmy McShane. Dunleer. who acted as M.C. throughout the evening, thanked Mr. McGeough and his company for the sponsorship.

He also thanked Mrs. L. McGrane and Glen Emmets, on the facilities afforded in connection with the special lighting, as well as the teams and spectators on their excellent support. Mr. McShane also announced that Lannleire’s postponed field day would be on 1st September.

Rather remarkably, all the contests, including an ‘ exhibition,’ were decided on two pulls. In no instance was a third pull necessary.

Details were as follows : First Round : Dromin A 2, Whiteriver O ; Fishers B 2, Polishing Shop (GJE.C.) 0; Grangebellew A 2, Dromin B 0 ; Fishers A 2, Dunany 0 ; Togher 2, Newtown, (Co. Meath) 0; Grangebellew B 2, Cooker Fabrications (G.E.C.) 0.

Second Round: Dromin A 2, Omeath 0; Grangebellew A 2, Fishers B 0 ; Fishers A 2, Togher 0.

Semi-finals : Dromin A 2, Grangebellew B 0 Grangebellew A O.

Final : Dromin A 2, Fishers A 0.

In a special contest, Polishing Shop beat Cooker Fabrications by 2 pulls to nil. Mr. Tommy Elmore, Omeath, was the referee for the evening. ; Fishers A 2,