The Heath GAA is set to host an All-Ireland Gaelic Football Free Taking Competition on Saturday, November 22, at 10am.
Organisers say that this national event will see some of the best free takers from across Ireland go head-to-head to claim the title of Ireland’s top marksman.
Competitors will represent their clubs and counties in a test of accuracy and consistency, with the ultimate prize of €5,000 for the winner’s club.
The competition promises to deliver top-class entertainment for spectators, celebrating one of Gaelic football’s most vital and spectacular skills — the art of the free kick.
Set against the backdrop of The Heath’s proud GAA tradition, this event is sure to draw fans, families, and footballers from every corner of the country for a great day of sport, community, and competition.
The competition will be overseen by an intercounty referee and umpires. Their ruling is final on all shots at goal.
Entrants must take ten kicks in total. Nine from the designated areas as outlined on the pitch map and they must then retake one kick from any one of the nine locations of their choosing.
The player can decide on the tenth location during the competition and must inform the competition referee before they take the kick.
If the referee deems any entrant to have taken a shot beyond the designated shooting area, any scores accrued from that kick will be declared null and void.
To qualify for a score, the ball must pass between the posts and over the bar from the initial kick. A ball which drops short and bounces over the bar does not count toward an entrant’s total.
In the event of a tie break, the participating players will shoot in sudden death format for three rounds. If there are still players tied at this point, the referee will move the kicking zone back five paces and continue until a winner is declared.
Only O’Neill’s All Ireland size 5 match balls are permitted in the competition.
Participants are encouraged to wear their club gear for the competition.
Entry costs €100 and anyone wishing to register can do so by clicking here.
