The Strongest Man in Ireland, Killygordon, Co. Donegal 1985

In September 1985, Noel Gallen won the title as the strongest man in the North-West of Ireland. One of the tests of strength involved lifting a car with three people in it.

At 34 years of age, Noel Gallen weights 16 and a half stone, and is married with two children.

Since his September victory Noel has been in training for the strongest man in Ireland competition which will be held in Sligo Leisure Centre. His training involves lifting kegs of beer, concrete blocks and anything with a bit of weight around his family farm. Noel Gallen will face five other contestants competing for the title of Ireland’s strongest man.

In preparation for the contest his diet has also changed with lots of protein and carbohydrates, that is meat and potatoes. Breakfast consists of three raw eggs, a bowl of porridge, three boiled eggs and a few rounds of toast.

An RTÉ News report by Tommie Gorman broadcast on 29 November 1985.