Bord Gais Energy has launched the sixth year of its sponsorship of the U21 All Ireland Hurling Championship.
A total of nine games will be televised live on TG4 over the course of the summer and the action gets underway this evening when Dublin take on Laois.
Fans will have the opportunity to engage ‘as gaeilge’ through social media by voting for man of the match using the #LaochBGE hashtag on twitter and there is a new microsite this year at www.bgeu21.ie
“This will be the hub for all things to do with the championship including news, fixtures and latest results,” said Bord Gais Energy Sponsorship and Brand Manager Irene Gowing.
“Fans will also be able to see the Bord Gáis Energy Ambassadors’ exclusive video blogs which give a unique insight into the commitment, training and preparation of players at this elite level”.
Alan Cadogan from Cork and Cian O’Callaghan from Dublin are among the team of Brand Ambassadors appointed for the campaign.
In other activation tactics the Bord Gáis Energy Team of the Year Awards programme is set to return in October following its successful introduction last season. Nominations and winners will be selected by Bord Gáis Energy Sports Ambassador Ger Cunningham, Micheál Ó Domhnaill of TG4 and Galway’s former U-21 All-Ireland winner Joe Canning.
Speaking ahead of the launch Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael, Liam Ó Néill said: “The onset of the Bord Gáis Energy GAA Hurling U21 All-Ireland Championship signals the start of summer for many hurling followers and I look forward to the roll out of the competition in conjunction with sponsors Bord Gáis Energy, for the sixth consecutive year.
“This is a competition that never fails to excite and the regular flow of midweek evening games have become part of the staple sporting diet for so many,” said GAA President Liam O’Neill launching the tournament in Tipperary.
“I wish Bord Gáis Energy every success with their activity around the games especially with their new microsite and I look forward to seeing more impressive young talent coming to the surface in the weeks ahead on the field of play.”
“We are proud to sponsor this exceptional competition for the sixth year,” added Gowing.
“In 2014 Bord Gáis Energy Rewards Club customers will once again have the chance to become part of the action as they get the opportunity to present Man of the Match awards live on TV, carry the Cross of Cashel trophy onto the pitch on All-Ireland final day and win match tickets and VIP trips to the All-Ireland Final and the Team of the Year Awards in October.
