John West Féile has given two Galway GAA U-15 club sides the opportunity to showcase their talents at Croke Park and Thurles.
The events will take place later this month as part of the competition’s 50th anniversary celebrations.
Annaghdown Gaelic footballers will represent the county in Croke Park on Saturday, October 23.
Teams from 32 counties were entered into a draw with the prize of a trip to play at GAA HQ in the celebratory event.
Clarinbridge hurlers have been invited to take part in a Thurles-based blitz on Thursday, October 28, with semi-finals and finals taking place at Semple stadium.
John West, sponsors of the GAA’s annual Féile na nÓg (football) and Féile na nGael (camogie and hurling) competitions, says it was delighted to honour its pledge that no child would be left behind following the cancellation of last year’s events.
Throughout its sponsorship, John West has focused on encouraging children to participate in Gaelic games, while emphasising the importance nutrition plays in fuelling young athletes.
This year’s running of the competition saw it take place on a county basis in August, with the age-grade moving to under-15, ensuring children who missed out in 2020 got a chance to compete.
John West Féile has brought together thousands of young hurlers, camogie players and Gaelic footballers in a celebration of the GAA’s community ethos through underage competition.
This is the sixth year of John West’s sponsorship of what has grown to become one of the biggest underage sporting events in Europe.
“Féile highlights the importance of sport in children’s lives and that is something John West is truly passionate about,” said John West Ireland General Manager, Peter Rooney.
“The chance to play at Croke Park or Semple Stadium is an added element designed to once again allow clubs play against and foster links with teams in other counties and provinces.
“We pride ourselves on supporting children taking part in sport and make a conscious and continuous effort to highlight the importance of young people continuing to play into teenage and adult years.
“Féile give us the opportunity to highlight the importance of natural nutrition in children’s diets.
“John West has created a range of products naturally high in protein and Vitamin D, supporting muscle maintenance and normal functioning of the immune system, meeting the needs of young Féile athletes, post-training or after a game.
“The cancellation of the 2020 John West Féile due to Covid came as a big disappointment to hundreds of young footballers, hurlers and camogie players all over Ireland.
“But John West remains proud to promote the philosophy that every player should participate at a level fitting with their age, skills and strengths.”
According to Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael, Larry McCarthy, one of the great benefits of a lifetime involvement in the GAA is the friendships and memories made as a result.
“As a competition, Féile has been superb at living up to this from its very earliest days. To reach its 50th anniversary is a significant milestone and generations of players have experienced the joy of being a part of Féile na nGael and Féile Peile na nÓg.
“I was delighted at the move to the under-15 age-grade, which enabled those who were disappointed to miss out last year, due to the pandemic, to have the opportunity to play and be a part of Féile.
“Our thanks to John West for the support they give to assist us in the promotion of this iconic competition and to the national organising committee for ensuring a John West Féile in 2021.”
