Killucan couple to take on the world in powerlifting contest

A Killucan-based couple will be in action at a prestigious world competition for champion powerlifters in Trofa, Portugal next week.

Killucan native Enda Staunton and his partner and coach, Tyrone native Poppy Douglas, will be on the platform at the prestigious AWPC World Powerlifting Cup, starting on Tuesday next, November 16 at 8am Irish time.

The couple, who live in Kerinstown, Killucan, have been selected as part of a 25-strong team headed up by Amateur Irish Powerlifting Organisation (AIPO) president Shane Brodie from Southside Barbell, Limerick, to don the Irish colours in their first international meet together.

Poppy has been competing for four years, and holds four Irish powerlifting records. She has been a strength and powerlifting coach for six years, and has six clients who hold national titles.

Poppy began coaching Enda, already a seasoned powerlifter, shortly after the couple met three years ago. Enda had paused his powerlifting career after sustaining a spinal injury, and although at first resistant to a return to competitive lifting, he formed a trusting coaching relationship with Poppy and was back lifting at national level within 12 months.

Poppy started coaching following the tragic death of her daughter Erin. She said that her goal as a coach is to help people feel stronger in their bodies. “Powerlifting is the ultimate sport for the development of discipline and patience,” explained Poppy.

The couple are very excited at the prospect of representing Westmeath and Ireland at the drug-tested AWPC World Powerlifting Cup next week.