Poc Fada competition reimagined
Senior Cork hurler Shane Kingston was on hand recently to help launch the Poc Tapa Challenge.
Inspired by the traditional Poc Fada competition, the challenge has been reimagined to reflect the fast-paced nature of the modern game – rewarding teamwork, precision and speed. The competition is now open for entries until Wednesday 25 June and gives clubs the chance to win up to €5,000 and the unique opportunity to showcase their skills at Croke Park during All-Ireland Semi-Final Day.
Teams of up to six players take their positions at designated cones around the four corners of the pitch and pass the sliotar in the quickest time to complete the circuit. The stopwatch starts when the first sliotar is struck and the sliotar must travel beyond each of the six cones placed around the pitch. The challenge ends when the sliotar returns to the starting player.
The Poc Tapa Challenge is open to GAA and camogie clubs nationwide, welcoming participants of all skill levels and ages, whether you’re a seasoned senior team or a rising squad just getting started, the Poc Tapa Challenge offers an exciting opportunity to showcase your talent, teamwork and community spirit.
eir has been a partner of the GAA since 2011.
GAA President, Jarlath Burns, said: “At its heart, the GAA is about community and connection - values that are brought to life through initiatives like the ‘eir for all’ Poc Tapa Challenge. It’s a celebration not just of skill and speed, but of the community spirit that brings all our clubs together. I’d like to take this opportunity to commend eir for their continued commitment to Gaelic games, both through their championship sponsorship and their investment in grassroots development. Opportunities like these to represent your club on the pitch at Croke Park create lifelong memories and strengthen the ties that make our Association so special.”
To enter, teams must film their fastest time completing the challenge on a smartphone, ensuring a stopwatch is visible throughout the footage. Videos must be filmed from the centre of the pitch and submit via X (formerly Twitter) @eir or Instagram @eir.ireland using the hashtags #eirforall and #PocTapa before Wednesday 25 June.
Last year's final saw local Wexford rivals go head-to-head, with Craanford GAA Club emerging victorious with an impressive time of 35 seconds, closely followed by Tara Rocks GAA Club finished as runners-up with a time of 50 seconds. The competition continues to grow in popularity, bringing clubs together in a shared celebration of skill and speed.