Munster GAA Championship Launch

PRESS RELEASE MUNSTER GAA CHAMPIONSHIP LAUNCH 2010

ADARE MANOR HOTEL MONDAY MAY 10th.

Leading GAA figures gathered today in Adare Manor Hotel for the official launch of the Munster GAA Senior Hurling and Football Championships.

In attendance were Munster GAA Chairman Sean Walsh, all other Provincial Officers, representatives from GAA Hurling sponsors Ethiad Airways, Centra and Guinness, representatives from GAA Football Championship sponsors SuperValu, Ulster Bank and Vodafone, as well as inter-county players and managers from all Munster counties. County Officers were also present showing their commitment and support for the Provincial championships. Munster has this year shown great innovation with the appointment of County Ambassadors in Hurling and Football from each county who will be available to the media and who have themselves graced the playing fields of Munster with distinction in times past.

MUNSTER GAA HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP

The draw for the Munster GAA Hurling Championship has produced some intriguing games and none more so than the opening game on Sunday May 30th when arch rivals Cork and Tipperary clash in Pairc Ui Chaoimh with the winners advancing to a semi final date with Limerick. The clash of Waterford and Clare in Semple Stadium, Thurles on Bank Holiday Monday June 7th. promises to be another gripping encounter. The Munster GAA Senior Hurling Championship Final takes place on Sunday July 11th.

Speaking at the Launch Munster Chairman Sean Walsh said ‘’The 2009 Munster GAA Hurling Championship produced great entertainment and we look forward to another great championship this year. Tipperary are the reigning champions and will be hoping to make it three-in-a-row while Cork will be looking to get revenge for their narrow defeat last year to the same opposition . Waterford will be looking to build on their progress in reaching last year’s Munster Final while Clare will put the disappointment of recent League Final defeats behind them will be hoping to use the All Ireland Under 21 success as a platform to build success. A youthful Limerick side will also be hoping to make an impression and their loyal supporters on Shannon side will I am sure give them that extra push and encouragement’’.

MUNSTER GAA FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

Munster GAA Chairman Sean Walsh said that the Munster Football Championship was keenly contested last year and this year’s competition looks every bit as open. ‘’The success of Cork and Limerick in winning League Titles while at the same time Waterford, who lost to Limerick in the Div. 4 League Final, had some very encouraging results. Clare were pipped at the post in the final game to gain promotion from Division 4. Reigning champions, Kerry, have lost some great players to retirement, while Tipperary, with an Under 21 Title to savour will also be in the mix’’.

This championship kicks off in Semple Stadium, Thurles on Sunday next May 16th.with All Ireland Champions Kerry taking on Tipperary. A week later Fraher Field Dungarvan is the venue for the clash of Waterford and Clare. The two semi finals are fixed for Sunday June 6th. with reigning Munster Football champions, Cork, taking on the winners of

the Kerry/Tipperary, while Limerick, beaten narrowly in the final last year, take on the winners of the Waterford/Clare game. The Munster GAA Senior Football Final takes place on Sunday July 4th.

MATCH INITIATIVES

Munster GAA recently launched a number of initiatives for the benefit of supporters including a Season Ticket to cover all Munster GAA Senior Hurling Championship games, including replays,: reduced priced ticket packages for County’s first matches in both codes: Family Tickets will be readily available for all Ticketed games while supporters will get the chance to win a Toyota Auris (sponsored by Toyota Ireland) as well as weekend breaks in Killarney by purchasing a match programme at any Munster GAA Senior Hurling and Football Championship game (excluding the Hurling Final)with the Grand Draw taking place at the Munster GAA Senior Hurling Final on Sunday July 11th.

Further information from Jim Forbes Munster GAA PRO. Tel. 086.2664413

PHOTOS

Visit the Munster GAA Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/munstergaa for photos of the launch