A TEAM of United Irishmen will step up to defend Carrickfergus Castle from yet another Scottish invasion which will hit the shores of Belfast Lough next month.


Gallantly led by warrior and Carrickfergus native Gary Hamilton, the team of kickboxing artists will battle it out to see who stands as Kings of the Castle against a Scottish select.

The showdown will take place in the somewhat safer surrounds of the town’s Leisure Centre in the shadows of the medieval landmark as Hamilton and his men aim to secure for themselves titles as true Earls of Ulster.

Hamilton, who last fought at the Odyssey Arena in June just weeks after suffering a broken ankle injury, teams up with Derry’s Darren Dougan, Antrim’s Adrian Clarke, Belfast’s Ian Young and Carrickfergus-born Martin Connolly for the contest. They will be joined by newcomers to war, a select of debutants from the ProKick Gym in Belfast.

The show’s promoters, former four-time world champ Billy Murray, will be returning to the scene of one his many career victories that took place 25 years ago.

He said, “The Scottish lads are talking up a good fight and want to leave Carrickfergus with victory pictures taken at the famous castle. But the Irish select team won’t let them pass through the gates. It will be a great showdown.”

Gary Hamilton, who has his sights set on a shot at winning another world title, can’t wait for the action.

“I have had to hold back a bit since breaking my ankle,” said the expectant father-to-be.

“But since fighting in June I have returned to full-on training and I’m ready to send the Scottish team back home to tell their folk that the Carrickfergus Castle belongs to us.”

Tickets for the Kings of the Castle show are available from the Prokick hotline, 02890 651 074, priced £5 for children, £7.50 for adults and £15 ringside. Family tickets (two adults, two children) cost £20. Alternatively purchase your tickets on-line. Here

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