The GAA’s 32 county hurling development competition; the Bank of Ireland Celtic Challenge will reach its climax this weekend as 16 and 17 year old participants from 12 counties prepare to take part in their respective finals.

The scene is set for this Saturday 24th June where the participating teams will showcase their skills at Netwatch Cullen Park, Carlow. The games, which started on 3rd May, have spanned the four Provinces and were played throughout the length and breadth of the country.

Each of the six winning teams on Saturday can look forward to a personal training session with one of Bank of Ireland’s GAA stars. Henry Shefflin (Kilkenny), Liam Sheedy (Tipperary), Seamus Callanan (Tipperary), Keith Higgins (Mayo), Austin Gleeson (Waterford) and Podge Collins (Clare) will provide personal training sessions over the coming weeks to the winning teams.

The Bank of Ireland Celtic Challenge competition is now in its second year and has grown substantially since its launch last year. This year’s competition has also seen an additional 400 participants and 9 teams taking part.

Four of the finals on Saturday will be broadcast live on GAA.ie

“We are delighted to have seen such a successful competition so far and are looking forward to the finals,” said Liam Sheedy, Director of Munster at Bank of Ireland.

“To have the opportunity to play in your county jersey in a competitive competition at a young age is fantastic for any young hurler.”

“At Bank of Ireland we are very committed to supporting today’s youth to be inspired to reach their full potential. Over 1,400 young players, an increase of 400 from last year, have had the fantastic opportunity to upskill and further develop their game and we are especially looking forward to facilitating the special training sessions with the winning teams.”

“Bank of Ireland’s sponsorship of the Celtic Challenge has elevated the competition in 2017 and we are really pleased that this year’s competition has seen a significant surge in participants,” added Aogán Ó Fearghaíl, Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael.

“The competition is unique and inclusive, giving all 32 counties an opportunity to represent themselves on a national level.”

 

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