John Brennan from Carlow fought off stiff competition to be crowned the MBNA Kick Fada All Ireland champion for 2007 earlier this afternoon (Saturday) at Bray Emmets GAA Club with a winning kick of 67 metres. Louth's Sean Connolly was runner up with Bray Emmet's own Niall Gaffney coming in third.

A star studded cast of Gaelic footballers including Dublin's Mark Vaughan and Johnny Magee and Monaghan pair Dick Clerkin and John Paul Moane lined out for the 8th annual MBNA Kick Fada which saw another top class display of accurate kicking from distance. World record holder, Mark Herbert of Kildare and defending champion Fintan Ruddy from Mayo couldn't find the form of previous years and bowed out mid way through the competition. Following his win, John Brennan attempted to beat the all Ireland and world record of 72 metres set by Mark Herbert six years ago but was unable to find the distance.

In the ladies final, Irene Munnelly from Wolfe Tones in Navan won with a successful kick from 45 metres. Christine Murphy of Wicklow and Bray Emmets Aisling O'Hanaig shared second place.

Football’s equivalent to the Poc Fada, the MBNA Kick Fada competition, tests the abilities of the countries best footballers to kick for distance and accuracy.

The eventual winner Irene Munnelly, representing Meath, in action during the 8th Annual MBNA Kick Fada and Mini All-Ireland Final. Bray Emmets GAA Club, Bray, Co. Wicklow. Picture credit: Paul Mohan / SPORTSFILE