Larne will see some of Ireland’s finest young strength athletes converge on the Bear Strong Performance Centre for the Junior Ireland’s Strongest Man 2026 competition on Saturday, June 6. The event begins at noon.

Among the 18 competitors is Larne’s own Francis McCambridge, in his second year of strongman. A victory would make him the first from the town to win the title since Chris McNaghten, 17 years ago.

McCambridge enters on a run of strong form. He won the Kaos Strongman Show in Manchester this year, beating 25 athletes, and took fourth at the Ireland’s Strongest Man Under-90kg competition.

The centre will also host First Timers and Novice categories, with around 40 male and female athletes from across Ireland competing.

Families are encouraged to attend and watch the emerging strength talent on display.