GAA Stars in Croke Park to Launch
2009 Meteor Kilmacud Crokes All-Ireland Hurling Sevens
Meteor and Kilmacud Crokes today announced details of the annual Meteor Kilmacud Crokes All-Ireland Hurling Sevens that will take place on Saturday, 5th of September 2009 in Glenalbyn, Stillorgan. Proudly supporting the official launch of the 37th Hurling Sevens were Uachtarán, Cumann Luthchleas Gael Christy Cooney and Tipperary captain Willie Ryan who was joined by former players John Leahy from Tipperary and John Henderson and Liam Fennelly of Kilkenny all of whom featured in the Kilkenny and Tipperary’s last All Ireland final outing in 1991.
With 40 senior clubs from 12 counties competing for the Cup and 16 teams battling it out for the Shield, the 2009 tournament is sure to provide sensational sporting action and entertainment for players and supporters alike on the eve of the All-Ireland Hurling Final. The tournament will involve over 50 games, played in six venues around the Stillorgan area. Group games begin at 10.30am, with the throw in for the final scheduled for approximately 6.45pm at the Kilmacud Crokes home ground Páirc de Burca, Glenalbyn in Stillorgan village.
Speaking at the press launch, Kilmacud Crokes Hurling Chairman, Tom Barry, said;
“Its an exciting feast of hurling that lies in prospect with top clubs and inter-county stars from all over the country descending on Stillorgan to kick start the All-Ireland Hurling final weekend.
“Since 1973 the Sevens tournament has expanded exponentially and could not take place without the whole hearted involvement of a company like Meteor which underpins and allows the great voluntary work done by our own club members to reach a new level."
Meteor's Director of Marketing, Conor Carmody today said, "Meteor is delighted to once again come on board as sponsors of the Kilmacud Crokes All-Ireland Hurling Sevens. We are extremely proud to be associated with one of the key events in the GAA hurling calendar.
“With over 40 stores nationwide, Meteor is excited to once again support an All-Ireland contest showcasing the immense skill and competition of this talented group of players."
A host of inter-county players will be in action on the day. Tipperary have a strong representation with 12 teams including defending champions Nenagh Eire Og who will have two former county stars, Kevin Tucker and Eddie Tucker on their panel and former competition winners, Mullinahone. Ballyhale Shamrocks, current county champions, fly the flag for Kilkenny. A strong Cork club contingent includes Cloyne with county players, Donal Og Cusack, and brothers Diarmuid "The Rock" and Paudie O'Sullivan. Mark Landers and Joe Deane will travel with Killeagh while Shane O'Neill and Pa Cronin will be part of the Bishopstown side. Ballinhassig will bring three Cork Senior panelists Martin Coleman, Fintan O'Leary and Brian Corry.
From Wexford, St. Martins will have well known hurlers, Rory McCarthy, Diarmuid Lyng and Eoin Quigley, while Glynn Barntown will have Michael Doyle and Paul Carley on their teams. Host club and last year's county finalists, Kilmacud Crokes will feature Dublin hurlers Ross O'Carroll and Niall Corcoran. Other previous tournament winners include Kiltormer of Galway and Garryspillane from Limerick. Teams from Antrim, Down, Laois, Offaly and Waterford complete the impressive line-up.
Throughout the afternoon there will be a Hurling Wall competition for adults and U13's organised by the GAA Coaching and Development Committee
The event is also supporting the "Headsup", text referral service from Rehab Care, which aims to help young adults in difficulty by offering support group information for a range of issues via Freetext on 50424.
For venue maps, game timings, the history of the event and more visit
www.kilmacudcrokes-hurling.com.
For further information contact:
Meteor
Louise Tier 085 711 7800 louise.tier@meteor.ie
Rebekah O'Neill 085 711 7100 rebekah.o'neill@meteor.ie
Kilmacud Crokes
Tom Rock tomfrock@hotmail.com
Paul Gorman paul.gorman@pioneerinvestments.com
