Rossie Erin is England’s Strongest Disabled Woman!

Roscommon town native, Erin Harris, was crowned ‘England’s Strongest Disabled Women’ following a sensational performance at Fitxpo in Manchester recently.

Erin, who was born with a condition called Type 4 Congenital Ulnar Dysplacia which affects her right arm, was winner of Women’s Standing Class Two.

Speaking to the Roscommon People this week, Erin said she was over the moon with her recent success.

“The whole weekend was amazing. The athletes were all incredible! The vibe during the whole competition was fantastic and we were so well looked after by Team GB Disabled Strongman and Fitxpo themselves. Coming out with the win was just the cherry on the top of a great weekend overall,” she said.

Despite the gruelling nature of the competition, Erin came out on top in each of her five events. She completed 14 repetitions in the 20kg Giant Dumbbell, squatted 100kg eleven times, carried 60kg for 40 metres, pressed 30kg above her head, and managed to lift 50, 60, 70 and 80kg Atlas stones in one minute and six seconds.

“That was a massive personal best for me! I use a stone sling for this so again this is basically onehanded,” Erin explained. The prizes were handed out by World’s Strongest Man competitor Gavin Bilton while Erin also got to meet Europe’s Strongest Man Luke Stoltman and brother Tim, a two time World’s Strongest Man. “Having won, I’ve automatically qualified to compete for Britain’s Strongest Disabled Woman in August this year, which I’m really looking forward to,” Erin said.

“Events have already been released for this and include two overhead events, a 230kg sled pull, and a 13kg ‘Yoke run’. We’ll also have to lift the dreaded Atlas stones again!”

Not content with her English title, Erin says she’s now focussed on breaking world records in August with the aim of lifting a 120kg Atlas stone by the end of the season. If her performance in Manchester is anything to go by then this Rossie is more than capable of achieving those goals.

Newsbriefs

Kilteevan Graveyard Mass date confirmed

The 30th annual graveyard Mass will be celebrated in Kilteevan Graveyard on Saturday, 1st of July at 7.30 pm, weatherpermitting. In the event of adverse weather conditions, Mass will be celebrated in the Church.

Boston Tea Party – in Loughglynn!

Loughglynn Community Centre are holding a Boston Tea Party on Friday, 2nd of June 2023 at 8.30 pm.

All support for this important fundraising event would be greatly appreciated. For further details/tickets, please contact 0872257297.

Tidy Towns judges are on the way!

The Roscommon Tidy Towns Association is once again preparing for an oncoming visit from the Tidy Towns competition judges. The application form for the National Tidy Towns Competition was submitted recently, and the judges are due to visit any time during June, July or August. Roscommon Town is currently at Gold Medal status and aims to increase the points in many categories. Last year, the judges visited residential areas around the town and commented favourably on the work of Resident Associations. The judges also take note of buildings around the town and comment in the report sheet on which ones need attention and which ones are well presented.

The group has undertaken many projects around the town recently to promote biodiversity and would encourage people to plant pollinator flowers and plants in their gardens. Roscommon Tidy Towns Association members would like to thank everyone who donated to their recent Church Gate Collection. Funds raised will go towards the purchase of new equipment and also further projects to enhance the town. Members meet at the Courthouse opposite the Garda Station on Tuesday evenings at 7 pm. New members are always welcome to join the award-winning group.