Over 20 stars of Gaelic Football will compete for the prestigious All-Ireland title at the 6th annual MBNA Kick Fada competition, which will take place on Saturday, September 17th at Bray Emmets GAA Club, Bray, Co. Wicklow. Football's equivalent to the Poc Fada, the MBNA Kick Fada competition, tests the abilities of the countries best footballers to kick for distance and accuracy. The 2005 MBNA Kick Fada competition was launched at Croke Park by star of Dublin football, Ciaran Whelan and Laois goalkeeper, Fergal Byron. The current All Ireland & World record is an impressive 72 metres, kicked over the bar from the ground by four time MBNA Kick Fada champion Mark Herbert from Kildare. Herbert's challenge for a fifth title in a row was halted last year by Offaly goalkeeper, Paraic Kelly. The inter-county players and former greats will shoot it out in two divisions - Senior men and Senior ladies. Each champion will receive an MBNA Kick Fada All Ireland medal, with the overall winning kicker receiving the MBNA Kick Fada Champion Trophy. This year will also see the introduction of a Schools Kick Fada competition for the local area with more details to be announced closer to the final. The 2005 MBNA Kick Fada All Ireland Final will be hosted by Bray Emmets GAA Club, Bray, Co. Wicklow in association with MBNA Europe Bank Ltd on Saturday, September 17th. Admission is free to the public. Deirdre O'Shaughnessy, Marketing Manager, MBNA Ireland said at the launch 'The MBNA Kick Fada has become a highlight on our sponsorship calendar and we are delighted to continue our support for this unique National GAA event. The competition has grown in stature over the past six years and has become a great family day out at Bray Emmetts. We are looking forward to another exciting display of skill at the final in September." Tweet

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