Carlow to host the national under-15 féile finals this June
GAA president Jarlath Burns with Isabelle O'Meara and Cillian O'Hanlon of O'Tooles GAA Club at Croke Park for the announcement of the extension of John West's sponsorship of Féile Photo: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile
CO CARLOW will take centre stage in the GAA calendar this summer when it co-hosts the national Féile na nGael finals in June.
The county will welcome teams from across Ireland and beyond on Saturday 20 June, when it shares hosting duties with Laois in the under-15 camogie and hurling championships.
Hundreds of young Carlow GAA players will compete at county level in April for the chance to represent their clubs at the prestigious national finals, which have grown to become one of the biggest underage sporting events in Europe.
The announcement comes as John West has extended its sponsorship of féile across all four codes and grades until 2028, marking the 11th year of the company’s commitment to youth GAA.
GAA president Jarlath Burns welcomed the sponsorship renewal, emphasising the importance of volunteers and the grassroots ethos of the competition.
“John West féile has nurtured a wonderful enthusiasm for our games and has been the making of many friendships and memories,” he said.
“Fun, friendship and participation are at its heart. It thrives due to the invaluable contribution of parents and volunteer coaches and we must never lose sight of that.”
Last year alone, over 400 club sides comprised of 9,000 players competed in the finals, following qualification at county level. The competition has attracted teams from as far afield as the Americas, Australasia, mainland Europe and Britain.
Anne-Claire Monde, head of marketing at John West Ireland, said the company was investing in the promotion of nutrition and resilience among young players. “Every year, thousands of young players are brought together annually in celebration of the GAA’s community ethos through underage competition,” she said.
The Féile Peile na nÓg (Gaelic football and ladies’ football) national finals will take place in Derry on Saturday 27 June.
County competitions for Féile na nGael are scheduled for April, while Féile Peile na nÓg county competitions will take place in May. Teams at other grades will compete in regional finals at venues throughout the country.
Féile na nGael has been running since 1971, while Féile Peile na nÓg will mark its 44th year this year.
