The M. Donnelly GAA Poc Fada Championship 2013 was official launched today by GAA Uachtarán, Liam Ó Néill and Uachtarán An Cumann Camógaíochta, Aileen Lawlor in Croke Park.
The Poc Fada has been annually held in Annaverna Mountain, Ravensdale, Cooley, County Louth, since 1960, with competitors taking part in Mens Senior, Camogie and U16 grades.
The National Poc Fada Committee under the Chairmanship of Humphrey Kelleher has set about re-launching the whole Poc Fada experience with a lot of work been done with the Counties to hold a Poc Fada competition in an area of beauty in its own county, highlighting the splendor of the local area. With the winner of the County Poc Fada going on to represent their County in the Provincial Poc Fada Competition.
One example of this is Tyrone who this year will run their County Competition in Dungannon on the 22nd of May as part of a number of other events.
Speaking at the launch GAA Uachtarán, Liam Ó Néill said “There are few events in our diary that stand out from the rest of our activities in the same way that as the Poc Fada, and those who compete in County, Provincial and All Ireland Competition are testament to the popularity that provides a direct link back to Irish folklore and one that has a resonance with the modern game of hurling. I would like to thank Martin Donnelly for his continued support of the Competition, which this year will be the 17th year sponsoring the Finals in the Cooley Mountains”
Speaking at the launch Uachtarán An Cumann Camógaíochta, Aileen Lawlor said: “Camogie are delighted once again to take part in the annual Poc Fada Finals, this will be our 7th year taking parking part and over the last number of years competition has been quite stiff with only a puck of the sliotar between the contestants."
Speaking at the launch Martin Donnelly said, "I am delighted to continue support of this wonderful competition, which is a truly unique event."
For 2013 we are delighted to announce that TodayFM & Topflight have come onboard as partners to the Poc Fada and will be inviting the four winners of this year Provincial Seniors Men’s Competition on the TodayFm Topflight Ski Trip 2014, where they will take part in their annual Poc Fada Competition on the ski slope.
Speaking at the announcements GAA Uachtarán, Liam Ó Néill said “I am delighted to have TodayFM & Topflight as partners, and I am sure together we will spread the word of Poc Fada.”
Speaking at the announcement, Graham Hennessy, Group Sales Manager Topflight said “Topflight have been running a Poc Fada Competition for the last 7 years as part of the Ian Dempsey TodayFM Show, and we are thrilled this new initiative will greatly enhance the awareness of the show for 2014 and the Poc Fada event itself.”
Website
The National Poc Fada Committee is also delighted to launch the new Official GAA Poc Fada website pocfada.gaa.ie which will contain all the latest news and upcoming event in the Poc Fada Calendar.
County & Provincial Poc Fada
Connacht
County Venue Date
Galway NUIG Grounds 17.06.2013
Leitrim TBC 21.06.2013
Mayo TBC 21.06.2103
Roscommon TBC 24.06.2013
Sligo Strandhill, Coney Island 21.06.2013
Leinster
County Venue Date
Carlow TBC 08.06.2013*
Dublin TBC 17.06.2013*
Kildare TBC 17.06.2013*
Kilkenny TBC 21.06.2013*
Laois TBC 19.06.2013*
Longford TBC 12.06.2013*
Louth TBC 18.06.2013*
Meath TBC 01.06.2013*
Offaly TBC 19.06.2013*
Westmeath TBC 21.06.2013*
Wexford TBC 08.06.2013*
Wicklow TBC 12.06.2013*
* Dates to be confirmed at next Leinster Poc Fada meeting, please check www.pocfafa.gaa.ie, for latest information
Munster
County Venue Date
Clare Whitegate 06.05.2013
Cork Pilmore Strand, Youghal 25.05.2013
Kerry Kerryhead, Ballyheighue 01.06.2013
Limerick Knockferina,Ballingarry 08.06.2013
Tipperary Glen of Aherlow 08.06.2013
Waterford Carriganore Estate 12.06.2013
Ulster
County Venue Date
Antrim Divis Mountain 11.05.2013
Armagh Completed – Winner Paddy McArdle
Cavan Killykeen Woods 19.05.2013
Derry Slaughtneil 18.05.2013
Donegal TBC TBC
Down Downpatrick Race Course 25.05.2013
Fermanagh TBC TBC
Monaghan Clonghan 18.05.2013
Tyrone Dungannon 22.05.2013
Provincial
Province Venue Date
Connacht Ballyhaunis, Mayo 01.07.2013
Leinster St Mullins, Carlow 11.07.2013
Munster TBC 13.07.2013
Ulster Divis Mountain, Antrim 21.06.2013
Europe Luxembourg 01.06.2013
All Ireland
The M. Donnelly All Ireland Poc Fada Finals 2013 will take place on Saturday the 3rd of August 2013 on Annaverna Mountain, Ravensdale, Cooley, Co. Louth.
ENDS
For more information please contact GAA Communications Manager, Alan Milton on 01 – 8658615 or alan.milton@gaa.ie or Poc Fada Secretary, Bernard Smith on 01 – 8658694 or bernard.smith@gaa.ie
