Gala All-Ireland Camogie Championship is launched in Croke Park

President of the Camogie Association, Liz Howard, was joined at the launch by the captains of all 27 counties competing in this year’s Championships together with Gary Desmond, CEO of Gala. Gala, the Championship’s title sponsor for the past two years, has pledged its support for Camogie for a further three years by renewing its sponsorship of the Gala All-Ireland Championships (Senior, Intermediate and Junior) until 2010.

Reigning Champions Wexford will be hoping to retain the crown they won last year for the first time since 1975.  There will be several sides aiming to relieve them of the O’Duffy Cup including last year’s runners up and 2006 winners, Cork. 

National league champions Kilkenny and beaten finalists Galway will have their eyes on All-Ireland glory, while Tipperary will be looking to add to their five titles.  Newcomers to this year’s Senior Championship, Limerick, will be hoping to make a good impression in their first season, while Dublin will be hoping to build on some impressive performances last year.

Liz Howard, President of the Camogie Association said: “”In 2007 the Gala All Ireland Senior and Junior Camogie finals were the best Gaelic finals of the year.  We anticipate a great championship season again this year.  The partnership between Camogie and Gala is a good fit, both growing in popularity and profile.””

Speaking at the launch, Gary Desmond, CEO of Gala, said:

“”Our partnership with the Camogie Association and extended sponsorship, including both the Senior and Junior Championships, represents the success and growth of this relationship over the past few years. This year, we are pleased to announce a new sponsorship deal which will see the Gala All-Ireland Camogie Championships running until 2010. The six-figure sum firmly cements our partnership with the Camogie Association for the foreseeable future.

“”The Gala Group stores, across the country, fully support the association as many of our retailers’ staff, shoppers, family and friends have close ties with one of Ireland’s most iconic female sports. Gala’s network of stores spans towns and cities across Ireland, and this synergy with the Camogie Association is where the sponsorship’s success lies.

“”We’re looking forward to this year’s championship after 2007’s closely contested senior and junior finals and the record attendance at Croke Park. We wish all the teams good luck in the championship.””

The Gala All-Ireland Senior Championship action begins this weekend.  Last year’s Champions Wexford have the weekend off with the six remaining teams all in action.  2007 runners up Cork will travel to Dublin as they hope to get their Championship off to a winning start.  National League champions Kilkenny will host Tipperary, while Limerick, who are new to the Senior Championship after their All-Ireland B Final win last year, will travel to take on Galway.

For further information:
Declan Lee – O’Herlihy Communications – 01 660 2744 / 087 695 7451
Sinead O’Connor – Camogie Association – 01 836 4619 / 087 640 5446

“