The Tailteann Cup Final between Down and Meath takes place in Croke Park this Saturday 15th July. It will be the first time that the two counties have met in a Championship Final since 1991 when Down narrowly defeated Meath to take home the Sam Maguire trophy.
Saturday’s Final precedes, for the first time, the GAA All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Semi-Final.
That Semi-Final game sees Dublin take on Monaghan, the first time the two sides have met at this stage of the Championship. Sunday will then see reigning GAA All-Ireland Senior Football Champions Kerry, take on the exciting Derry side in the second semi-final for a place in the Senior Final on July 30th.
AIB this year extended its partnership with the GAA for a further five years and has teamed up with former players from each of the six counties featuring this weekend to celebrate a much-anticipated weekend of Championship action. Their thoughts and forecasts are appearing across the mainstream media today and over the coming days in the build up to the weekend.
Meath beat Down in Round 3 of the Tailteann Cup, but the losers regrouped following that defeat, overcoming Longford in the quarterfinals before putting eight goals past Laois in the semi-final to secure a coveted spot in the season decider. The presence of Colm O’Rourke in a Croke Park final in his first year in charge of Meath adds spice to the occasion.
“AIB is extremely proud to sponsor another hugely exciting year of Intercounty Football,” said CEO Colin Hunt.
“These much-loved competitions have yet again this season provided the fans, including ourselves at AIB, with much excitement and entertainment as well as appreciation of the skill and athleticism on display from the games’ very best players.”
“Having renewed our long-standing partnership with the GAA for another five years, all of us at AIB are looking forward to another action-packed weekend for GAA fans right around the country but particularly, those in Down, Derry, Dublin, Kerry, Meath, and Monaghan.”
“It is an exciting time for GAA fans in each of these counties, having their team involved at this late stage of the Championships. It is a significant achievement for the teams, their families, and communities and all of us at AIB wish them the very best of luck.”
“After a very exciting season in the Tailteann Cup and with lots more excitement to come in the Championships, this weekend guarantees more thrilling action in Croke Park,” added GAA President Larry McCarthy.
“I wish the players, management, and fans of each of the competing counties the very best of luck. Enjoy the build up, the games and these great occasions which bring fans of our national games together, regardless of where they are from.”
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank AIB for their continued support for Gaelic Games.”
AIB will be continuing the build up through this week and into the weekend across their social media channels and through strong TV, radio, digital and outdoor advertising, putting the GAA partnership at the centre of its own marketing identity.
