Talented duo claim third wife-carrying title
Credit: Eamonn Keogh
Robbie O'Leary and Aisling O'Sullivan catch their breath in the water as Anthony and Frances Greaney, Killarney, tkae advantage in the 2010 Paddy Power Wife Carrying Championship in Sneem on Saturday Saturday.
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CASTLECOVE musician Aoife Desmond says it takes much more than simply hanging around when it comes to playing the ideal wife.
One half of the ' husband and wife' team who picked up first spot in this year's Paddy Power Wife Carrying Championships in Sneem on Saturday, Aoife and 'husband' John O'Shea powered home ahead of second placed Killarney couple Anthony and Frances Greane.
The win formed a hattrick of victories for Aoife and Caherdaniel-based Skelligs boatman John and they receive an all expenses paid trip to compete in next year's Wife Carrying World Championships in Finland in the process. Also representing Ireland in Finland this year, Saturday's title affirms the team's sixth place finish in the world.
Asked about preparations, Aoife admitted that they had been training with the popular event in mind.
"While we really do it for fun, we both did some training ahead of the competition. I have been strengthening my arms a bit while John is always training as he plays a lot of football, rows, swims and cycles.
"Just before the event we practised on Derrynane Beach as you have to get into a pretty unusual position for the race. I'm glad that we did as the course was much more difficult than last year."
Officially, the duo adopted the 'Estonian position' favoured by most competitors whereby the 'wife' wraps her legs around the 'husband's' neck and hangs down behind him. Meanwhile, a Japanese TV celebrity couple also took part on Saturday, adding a touch of novelty to the event.
Over 500 eager spectators witnessed the unusual proceedings, part of the Sneem Family Festival which ended on Sunday.
Festival chairman John D O'Sullivan said he was delighted at this year's tournament and indeed the turnout for the entire festival which continues to put the picturesque south Kerry village on the entertainment map.
Art workshops, outdoor activities, local theatre group performances and dozens of children's events were also held over the five days.
- KEVIN HUGHES Photos by Eamonn Keogh
