When Rocky arrived in cinemas in 1976, boxing fever swept the world. Everyone wanted to train like the Italian Stallion, and the brethren of Galgorm LOL 239 were certainly not going to be left behind.
Inspired by the film, the Lodge embarked on an ambitious new fitness programme. The Lambeg drums were fitted with tiny boxing gloves and put to work sparring against sides of hanging beef.
It was considered cutting-edge training at the time. Very modern. Very scientific. Very 1976.
There was, however, one minor complication. The beef occasionally fought back.
Fortunately, the Lodge had another important fixture on the calendar: the annual summer BBQ.
By the time summer arrived, the training programme had produced an unexpected bonus. An almost endless supply of exceptionally well-tenderised beef, ready for the barbecue.
It was a triumph of forward planning, sporting ambition and culinary resourcefulness.