Christmas Tree Throwing Championships 2015

Members of the public are being invited to break a unique Guinness World Record this festive season when the 5th annual Irish Christmas Tree Throwing Championship takes place in Active Ennis Tim Smyth Park Ennis, Co. Clare, on Sunday, 3rd January 2016 at 1pm – 3pm.

The Championship, which is based on age-old lumberjack traditions and is commonplace across Germany and Austria, will see members of the public competing to achieve the longest distance for throwing a standard 1.5 metre tree.

2014 winner Gary O’Growney from Dublin and 2013/2015 winner John O’Dea from Limerick share the Irish Record. Both competitors threw their trees a distance of 10.2 metres, which is just under 2 metres short of the World Record currently held by Klaus Pubnaz who hurled a tree a distance of 12 metres at an event in Germany five years ago. Last year’s Under 12 section was won by Shane Kenny from County Clare, while the Ladies section was won by Audrey Kavanagh (4.1m).

This year’s winner will once again receive the Irish Christmas Tree Throwing Championship trophy while proceeds raised by the 5th annual event will go towards the Clare Branch of the Mini Marathon cancer centre Kilkee.

Organised by Clare County Council in conjunction with Active Ennis Sports and Leisure Facilities, the event will also see the public’s used Christmas trees being sent forward for recycling.
This event has grown in popularity year on year since it was first held in 2012. Last year, more than 250 people had a go at becoming the latest Christmas Tree Throwing Champion and we are once again inviting people to come along to Active Ennis Tim Smyth Park to take part. As well as being a novel way to turn Christmas tree recycling into a sport, this annual event will raise funds for a local charity.”

“Disposing of the Christmas tree is often an arduous task for many so this event allows people to do so in style and with relative ease. The Council will be providing a free Christmas tree recycling service at various locations throughout Clare, but we would welcome anyone who wishes to drop their tree at the contest and make a donation towards the Clare Branch of the Irish Cancer Society Volunteer Drivers, also on the day a
Free 12 Month Gym and Pool Family Membership is Up For Grabs.
All participants that register on the day will be entered in to a draw and the winner will receive a 12 month Gym & Pool Family membership with Active Ennis Pool and Leisure complex.
The draw will be made on the day, 3rd January 2016

We look forward to seeing all of you there.