Some of Gulliver's lilliputs (Billy and Charlie Webb and Emilyann Byrne) with (from left) former Meath manager Sean Boylan, festival director Barbara Nestor, and Jim Glennon, former Irish rugby player.

Big sporting names prepare to line out for Swift Festival

Noelle Finegan

Published: Wed 16 Jun 2010, 4:49 PM

The Trim Swift Festival, which takes place from 1st-4th July next, has announced that a host of sporting legends will attend the festival on the Saturday this year in the grounds of Trim Castle. At the festival, George Hook will host a discussion on sport with his colleague Brent Pope and Colm O'Rourke on the day. A range of sports stars have been invited and the festival organisers hope to have boxer Katie Taylor and Meath full-forward Joe Sheridan along with others on the day. Announcing details, festival director Barbara Nestor said: "There are a lot of details being finalised in the coming days. We're awaiting responses from some of Ireland's greatest sporting legends and this will be a great opportunity for children and families to meet their heros. Knowing George Hook, the discussion will also be great entertainment for adults and those interested in sport. He's sure to get some interesting stories and opinions from the sporting legends." Throughout the day, there will be a host of free fun activities in the castle grounds, including a bouncy castle, face-painting, street theatre, demonstrations by sporting clubs including martial arts. "We aim to show the World Cup quarter-finals before and after the discussions on a big screen. In addition, we'll have a number of food and refreshment stalls. This year, the local soccer and rugby and GAA clubs aim to put on a mini-competitions for their youngest teams in the inaugural Swift Mini competitions," added Ms Nestor. The title of the discussion is 'Battle of the Boots: How Sports Changes Lives'. Each sports star will be asked how sport changed their life and to talk about the greatest and/or funniest experience in their careers. George Hook has told the organisers that he aims to cause some controversy but he is remaining tight-lipped as to what he might say or who he might target, according to the organisers. The Saturday of the festival will be rounded off by the Swift Comedy Night featuring Nob Nation, Langerland and Alan Shortt in Knightsbrook Hotel at 8.30pm with tickets available on www.trimswiftfestival.com at €25 per head or from Barbara Nestor on (087) 926 8066.