John West today launched their sponsorship of the national GAA Féile competitions at an event in Croke Park. This is the second year that the company will sponsor the underage sports tournament which is one of the biggest tournaments of its kind.
The event was attended by a host of Ireland’s top GAA, Camogie and Ladies Footballers players including Dublin Footballer and John West Ambassador Philly McMahon, Wexford hurler Lee Chin, Monaghan Ladies Footballer Eimear McAnespie and Carlow Camogie player Kate Nolan.
The John West Féile na nGael and Féile Peile na nÓg competitions are national festivals for Gaelic football, Ladies Gaelic Football, Handball, Hurling, Camogie and Rounders played at Under 14 level.
The games will involve teams, both national & international, from across the GAA. The highly-anticipated competition gives up-and-coming GAA superstars the chance to participate and play in their respective Féile tournaments, at a level which suits their age, skills and strengths.
As part of their Féile activation campaign in 2017, John West will be releasing a series of videos featuring some GAA stars’ favourite personal memories of their time at Féile.
At the launch, local GAA players Aimee Clyne-Farrelly, Lauren Dawson, Hannah Crowle, Neil O'Leary, Cian Canavan and Hugh Cuffe from Lucan Sarsfields GAA Club were given the opportunity to chat to the ambassadors about their favourite Féile moments.
John West also launched a unique competition that will be promoted across social media to win a place at the John West Féile Skills Day taking place in the GAA Centre of Excellence in Abbotstown Dublin on 10th June 2017.
Speaking at the event Peter Rooney, Country Manager at John West Ireland stated: “After a hugely successful Féile last year, John West is delighted to be involved in the games again this year. The Féile weekends hold a unique position in the GAA calendar.”
“Year-on-year, we are committed to promoting an active healthy life-style with the introduction of our new range of innovative products. Infusions, Creations & Steampots are designed to support active families in a contemporary way whilst consistently delivering the health benefits of fish.”
GAA President, Aogán O Fearghail said: “It is great to have such a well-recognised and respected brand as John West involved with the Féile again this year. As part of the Féile philosophy, we ensure that all players are given the opportunity to play and create relationships with other clubs.
"The GAA is dedicated to promoting a healthy lifestyle and John West’s sponsorship of Féile competitions allows us to foster these values at a grassroots level.
"On a personal note, I’d like to thank each County for agreeing to host teams for Féile and as a Cavan man, I’m proud to see my own County involved in hosting John West Féile Peile na nÓg teams.”
Féile provides an opportunity for:
• Under-14 players to participate in an annual competition of Hurling/Camogie, Handball, Rounders and Gaelic Football/Ladies Gaelic football.
• Clubs to experience playing against teams from other Counties/Provinces.
• Clubs to foster links with other Clubs in other Counties/Provinces.
• Counties to celebrate Gaelic games by acting as hosts.
• John West sampling across both weekends.
The John West Féile na nGael National tournaments will be held in Carlow, Kilkenny and Waterford from the 16th to the 18th June 2017 and the and Féile Peile na nÓg in Cavan, Fermanagh and Monaghan from the 23rd to the 25th June 2017.