A MAN who runs a local gym in town is heading off with the Irish team to the World Powerlifting Championships this autumn.

Robert Powell is a native of County Laois who came to study Health and Leisure in the IT Tralee five years ago. He has now made Tralee his home and runs Trident Fitness on High Street.

Robert only started to take part in powerlifting competitions in the past year or so and after finishing second in a Galway meet, he qualified for the Irish team.

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He is now looking forward to being part of a 24 person team off to Virginia in the US in October. Robert will compete in the Under 90kg category.

There’s considerable expense involved in taking part as the sport is non-funded. As a result, he is holding a table quiz this Friday evening in O’Donnells Mounthawk. Teams of four are €40, there’s some great spot prizes and it all gets underway at 8.30pm.