THE M Donnelly All Ireland Poc Fada finals take place on Annaverna Mountain on Saturday. 2009 first-time champion from Roscommon, Gerry Fallon, will be there to defend his title, but he faces stiff competition from Ulster Poc Fada champion Ruairi Convery (Down), Leinster champ Eoin Ryan (Laois), Seamus Coffey (Cork), the Munster Poc Fada Provincial winner, and James Skehill (Galway), the Connacht champion.

Kilkenny All-Ireland winning goalkeeper James McGarry, Wexford's AllIreland winner and All-Star Damien Fitzhenry and Down's Graham Clarke will also participate in this year's event which is over a challenging mountain 5km course.

Karol Keating (Down), Brendan McNamara (Clare) and Donal O'Brien (Mayo) will also be attempting to win the prestigious All-Ireland medal.

Waterford's Patricia Jackman will be back on the famous mountain course to defend her Camogie title against the challenges of Connacht champion, Stephanie Gannon (Athenry, Galway), Leinster winner, Voureen Quigley (Kilkerley, Louth), Munster's Jacqui O'Connor (St Ibarrs Shelmeliers, Wexford), and Ulster champion Fionnuala Carr (Down).

Armagh champion and Louth champions Bernie Murray (Cullyhanna) and Catriona Cantwell (St. Annes) will also take part.

The hurlers in this year's Under 16 Poc Fada are Patrick Nugent from Antrim, Sean Barry, Waterford, Owen Tracey, Galway and Dónall Connolly jnr, Louth.

Chairperson of the national Coiste of An Poc Fada, Donie Nealon, said that a great day is expected.

'This is a very unique sporting event. We can expect a close contest,' said the former Tipperary star hurler and Munster Council secretary.

Louth's Pat Hamilton, who serves as secretary of the National Poc Fada Committee, reminded all those attending the event that they should come prepared for the rugged mountain course. He also appealed to any local GAA hurling, camogie and football clubs wishing to assist at the event to contact him.

The full line-out will be announced and draws for the Comortas Beirte (Pairs Competition) will take place on today ( Wednesday) at the M Donnelly All Ireland Poc Fada launch in Croke Park.

This year once again an appeal is being made by the organisers to all clubs and individuals with an interest in this unique sporting event to come along on the day and help out. Anyone wishing to take on a role should contact Josie Maguire (josiemaguire@hotmail.com) 0871329120 or Pat Mc Ginn (patmcginn@hotmail.com) 028-30839134. All involved should ensure that they are on the mountain by 12noon. The camogie and under-16 competitions start at 12.30pm with the senior Poc Fada commencing at 1pm.

SENIORS:: Gerry Fallon (Roscommon), Ruairi Convery (Down), Eoin Ryan (Laois), Seamus Coffey (Cork), James Skehill (Galway), James McGarry (Kilkenny), Damien Fitzhenry (Wexford), Graham Clarke (Down), Karol Keating (Down), Brendan McNamara (Clare), Donal O Brien (Mayo)

CAMOGIE: Patricia Jackman (Waterford), Stephanie Gannon (Galway), Voureen Quigley (Louth), Jacqui O'Connor (Tipperary), Fionnuala Carr (Down), Bernie Murray (Cullyhanna, Armagh), Catriona Cantwell (St. Annes, Louth).

BOYS U-16: Patrick Nugent (Antrim), Sean Barry (Waterford), Owen Tracey (Galway), Dónall Connolly Jr. (Louth).