Kilcloon student wins trip of lifetime to SA

Kilcloon student Kevin Sweeney has landed the trip of a lifetime to South Africa to represent Ireland in a challenges contest organised by drinks company Captain Morgan's, along with his fellow Maynooth College PHD students. The four-man 'Skull & Cross Homies' team, who are all housemates, will represent Ireland against nine other nations in the 'Captain's Cup' global final in South Africa this July. The team, also consisting of Lorcan Walshe from Carlow, Shane Lynn from Celbridge and Dubliner Ciaran Pollard, secured victory and wowed the crowd at the national finals in The Village, Dublin, after navigating their way through three challenges, including a giant buzz wire competition, a dance-off and an interactive graffiti wall task to test their creative skills. The national finals party was an exclusive invite only event for 600 lucky Captain Morgan Facebook fans and it included a live set from Irish band Republic of Loose, a set by DJ Steve Cooper and some complimentary Captain and Coke. Hundreds of Irish teams who entered the competition had to complete a series of tasks on Captain Morgan's Irish Facebook page over a period of five weeks with 10 crews eventually qualifying for the national final. "We just can't believe we won and are heading off to fly the flag for Ireland in South Africa," Kevin Sweeney said. "We are all housemates which makes it even more special. Hopefully, we'll have a repeat performance at the global final and take home the Captain's trophy for Ireland." The winning Irish team will travel to South Africa on an all-expenses paid trip of a lifetime at the beginning of July. As well as competing in the global Captain's Cup finals against Germany, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Argentina, Denmark, Austria, Colombia and South Africa, the winners will have a chance to see Johannesburg and Durban, visit a rhino and lion reserve, experience traditional Zulu culture in Shakaland, absail in Oribi Gorge and take a tour of Ushaka Marine World.