Council Chair hosts Civic Reception for Country Club Tug of War Team, World Indoor Tug of War Champsions
30th October 2024
Recently the Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor John McClaughry, hosted a Civic Reception for the Country Club Tug of War Team in recognition of winning the title of World Indoor Tug of War 560kg Champions.
The following is a copy of the speech delivered by the Chair at the reception:
Good evening MLAs, Councillors, ladies and gentlemen
As Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, I am delighted to welcome you all here to the Killyhevlin Hotel, Enniskillen this evening for this Civic Reception in honour of the Country Club Tug of War Team, World Indoor Tug of War 560kg Champions.
The Country Club is made up of members from Kesh, Lisnarick, Irvinestown, Ballinamallard, Enniskillen and Ballygawley and you train just outside Irvinestown.
I understand the Club was formed by members of the local farming community and you initially competed in Tug of War competitions at local festivals and events. Such was your success and having won many trophies, you began competing with the Northern Ireland Tug of War Association. This has given you the opportunity to compete nationally and internationally at both a UK and World level.
Earlier this year you travelled to Sweden to compete in the World Indoor Tug of War Championships. In the Open 600kg and Open 640kg classes, you earned a place in the final where you faced strong teams from the Basque Countries of Spain. However, you won a commendable silver medal in both competitions which is an excellent achievement.
In the Open 560kg class you progressed through the Group stages before meeting another strong team from the Basque Countries of Spain in the semi-final. The Spanish won two straight ends to leave you playing for 3rd place against a French Team and you deservedly won a Bronze medal.
The highlight of the competition was the Closed 560kg class. You topped the Group against the Basque Countries of Spain, France, Ireland, Scotland and Chinese Taipei. In the semi-finals against France you won two straight ends earning your place in the final against a team from Chinese Taipei. Although you described it as four minutes of pressure, you kept your cool and it turned out to be your best pull of the tournament emerging as back-to-back World Indoor Tug of War 560kg Champions.
This is a tremendous achievement which is testament to your commitment to training and your strong team ethics. A defining characteristic of a World Champion is an athlete who can compete in any circumstances, and you are a true example of this. You faced tough competition, however, your skills, determination and belief shone through to become World Champions as well as lifting medals in each of the other three classes you competed in.
Tug of War is a tough but fun sport which teaches you many skills and, whilst each member has an important role to play, your work together as a team is crucial. It also teaches you valuable life skills including negotiation, good communication and resilience.
Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is committed to ensuring that our people have opportunities to be healthy and well, and being part of a sports team, such as the Country Club, helps us to achieve this.
On behalf of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, and on my own behalf, I would like to congratulate you on your success at the World Indoor Tug of War Championships. You have done yourselves, your District and your country proud. I wish you every success for the future and I am confident that you will be worthy winners for years to come.
Thank you.