News

Penalty Shoot Out at National Ploughing Championships

NDC Celebrity Soccer Shoot Out

(11 September, 2008) Ex Republic of Ireland International soccer player Ray Houghton, whose goal against Italy in USA ’94 was voted as the best Irish World Cup moment in a 2006 poll, will be trying to score again in very unique circumstances at the National Ploughing Championships taking place in Cuffesgrange, Co Kilkenny. Ray will be one of a line-up of personalities who will be taking part in the NDC Celebrity Soccer Shoot Out to be held each day during the 3-day Ploughing festival (23rd to 25th September, 2008).

The soccer shoot out concept has been developed by the National Dairy Council (NDC) with the support of the Football Association of Ireland (FAI Eircom League of Ireland) to try to raise funds and build awareness for the charity Concern in its 40th Anniversary year - and also to highlight the fun of participating in sports as part of a balanced lifestyle.

Personalities from RTE and the Guild of Agricultural Journalists are amongst those who are lending their support to the event, which will take place at the NDC stand (K-521) at 2pm daily.

On Tuesday 23rd September, celebrities taking part in the NDC Soccer Shoot Out for Concern, are expected to include:

• Richie Power (Kilkenny hurler)
• Derek Mooney (RTE)
• Nikki Hayes (RTE)
• Joe Canning (Galway hurler)
• Declan O’Brien (Farming Independent)
• Matt O’Keeffe (Irish Farmers Monthly)
• Mick Leech (former Shamrock Rovers legend)
• Fran Gavin (FAI League Director)

On Wednesday 24th September, the line up is expected to include:

• Ray Houghton (ex Republic of Ireland Soccer International)
• Ryan Tubridy (RTE)
• David Markey (Irish Farmers Monthly)
• Darragh McCullough (Ear to the Ground)
• John Delaney (FAI Chief Executive)

On Thursday 25th September the team will feature:

• Marc O’Se (Kerry Football All Star)
• Con Murphy (RTE)
• Damien O’Reilly (RTE)
• Rick O’Shea (RTE)
• Pat O’Keeffe (Irish Farmers Journal)
• Anna Marie McHugh (National Ploughing Association)

Get Active & Get Involved

Visitors to the Ploughing Championships NDC stand (K-521) will also have an opportunity to get active themselves.

The penalty shoot out area on the NDC stand will be open twice a day to members of the public, to allow soccer enthusiasts and children to try their luck aiming for goal (mornings 9.30am-12.30pm and afternoons 2.45pm-5.00pm).

Those lucky enough to score 3 out of 3 goals, will win two tickets to Ireland v Cyprus from the FAI.

-ENDS-

Issued by: Antonina Ni Dhuinn, Progress Communications Tel: 01-2766117 nina@progresspr.ie