WHO IS THE BRAINIEST PUB QUIZ TEAM IN THE NORTH?

CLEVER CLOGS… John Baxter and Ricky Watts of KP Snacks are on the hunt to find Northern Ireland’s brainiest pub quiz team with the launch of the sixth annual McCoy’s NI Pub Quiz. The province’s biggest pub quiz competition offers local brainiacs the opportunity to compete for a mouth-watering £1000 first prize and the coveted title of McCoy’s NI Pub Quiz Champions 2015. From now until the end of August, 14 regional heats will take place across Northern Ireland in Ballymena, Downpatrick, Armagh, Enniskillen, Omagh, Carrickfergus, Cookstown, Newry, Derry~Londonderry, Lurgan, Portstewart and Hillsborough. The winning team from each heat will qualifying for the Grand Final at The Errigle Inn in Belfast on Thursday September 3. Teams wanting to enter the competition and pit their skills against the best should simply turn up at their nearest heat. For details on venues and dates, visit the McCoy’s NI Facebook page. Teams must have no more than six members and must be available to participate in the final in Belfast on September 3.

THAT time of year is upon us when certain questions start being asked all over Northern Ireland.  Very important questions. 

Like… Who wrote Moby Dick?  How many are in a baker’s dozen?  Or which King in a deck of cards is the only one without a moustache?

Yes it can only mean one thing – the province’s biggest pub quiz competition is back in town.

So if you’re the kind of person who knows that an octopus has three hearts, that coulrophobia is a fear of clowns, or that Time Magazine named Adolf Hitler ‘Man of the Year’ in 1938, then you and your friends could be in with a chance of winning the coveted title of McCoy’s NI Pub Quiz Champions 2015 as well as a mouth-watering £1000 first prize.

Now in its sixth year, the annual McCoy’s NI Pub Quiz will see quiz buffs battle it out in 14 regional heats across the province between now and the end of August with the winning team from each heat qualifying for the Grand Final at The Errigle Inn in Belfast on Thursday September 3.

This year’s search to find Northern Ireland’s brainiest pub quiz team is part of the McCoy’s ‘In a Different League’campaign to mark the brand’s newfound status as the Official Crisp Partner of the Football League, the oldest league in world football which was founded in 1888.

And even at this early stage, the team to beat is sure to be defending champion and three-times winner The Hoffs from Belfast, who have dominated the quiz since it was formed, as McCoy’s NI Business Account Manager Ricky Wattsexplains.

“We are delighted to be launching our sixth annual McCoy’s NI Pub Quiz and every year it seems to get better and better,” said Ricky.  “We have seen many teams battle it out for the big prize over the years, but there is no doubt who the outstanding team has been, and that is The Hoffs who have come up trumps on no fewer than three occasion!

“Whilst it is clear that The Hoffs are true champions, we are convinced that there are teams out there who are ready and able to be crowned the new McCoy’s NI Pub Quiz Champions 2015 – or maybe even groups of like-minded individuals who fancy combining their intellectual resources to knock The Hoffs off their lofty perch.

“All in all, this year promises to be another fantastic challenge and we are urging all teams of friends, families and colleagues to make a night of it and attend one of the heats in their area,” he added.

The McCoy’s NI Pub Quiz 2015 continues its association with radio station U105FM and popular drive-time presenterJohnny Hero is excited to revisit his role as Quiz Master at the Grand Final.

“We are a competitive bunch in Northern Ireland and the McCoy’s NI Pub Quiz is certainly Northern Ireland’s definitive pub quiz,” said Johnny.

“The standard at these events is always incredibly high and the weird and wonderful facts that the top teams have at their disposal never ceases to amaze me. 

 “I’m already looking forward to the Grand Final which is always a great night full of fun, tension and excitement as teams battle it out for the £1000 prize and the much sought after title of NI Pub Quiz Champion,” continued the DJ.

As well as The Hoffs, other winners of the McCoy’s NI Pub Quiz over the years include We’re Only Here For The Crispsfrom Bangor and The Sandbaggers from Portstewart.

Hopefuls wanting to test their knowledge against the best in this year’s competition should simply turn up to their nearest regional heat*. Teams must have no more than six members and must be available to participate in the final in Belfast on September 3.

Demand at each heat is expected to be high so participants are advised to arrive early on the night to avoid disappointment.

More details regarding heats and venues, as well as a variety of killer questions, fun facts and prize giveaways can be found on the McCoy’s NI Facebook page.

McCoy’s is the number one ridged crisp in Northern Ireland with 100% distribution across 350 symbol stores locally for its top three flavours Flame Grilled Steak, Salt and Malt Vinegar and Cheddar and Onion.  Across the UK, McCoy’s crisps are consumed by more than a third of households and one pack is eaten every 15 seconds.

The McCoy’s NI Pub Quiz 2015 heats will take place at the following venues: