There is a major weekend of GAA club action in store with the Senior Football Championship semi finals hoping to beat the weather between Dr Crokes and Errigal Ciaran in Newbridge and Coolera Strandhill and Cuala in Cavan; and Six clubs from across the country knowing they will do so due to undersoil heating at Croke Park in the AIB GAA All-Ireland Hurling and Football Intermediate Club Championship finals and the AIB GAA All-Ireland Hurling Junior Club Championship final.
Each season, the AIB GAA All-Ireland Club Championships feature some of #TheToughest players from communities nationwide. With the sponsorship now in its 34th year, AIB is proud to once again celebrate the people and wider communities that play such a pivotal role in sustaining the entertainment and passion our national games bring.
This year saw an expansion of AIB’s commitment to clubs across the country through its sponsorship of Ladies Football and proudly making history by becoming the first Gaelic Games sponsor to unite Gaelic Football, Hurling, Camogie, and Ladies Football under one sponsorship.
This season, AIB also launched ‘The Toughest Traits’ series, which aims to showcase the sacrifices that club players make to be able to represent their communities with distinction and highlight what it truly means to be #TheToughest.
From gruelling training sessions to demanding work schedules and the constant pressure to perform, these athletes go above and beyond. Kieran Read, with 12 years of experience at the highest level of professional rugby, shadows the players on their day-to-day lives, offering a unique insider’s perspective.
The first three episodes of ‘The Toughest Traits’ are available now at the AIB YouTube channel, @AIB, with the remaining two episodes to be released on January 16th , and 23rd.
They will feature in our weekly round up of winning video content later today as well.
“As we reach the end of what has been one of the most dynamic and exciting club championship seasons in memory, AIB is very proud to celebrate the skill, passion, and unwavering community spirit that defines Gaelic Games,” said AIB’s Chief Customer Officer, Orlaith Ryan.
“As we reach the end of what has been one of the most dynamic and exciting club championship seasons in memory, AIB is very proud to celebrate the skill, passion, and unwavering community spirit that defines Gaelic Games.”
“This year’s AIB GAA All-Ireland Intermediate and Junior Club Championships, encompassing football, hurling, Camogie and now Ladies Football, showcase the very best of our national sports. The dedication of the players, the unwavering support of the fans, and the vital contributions of volunteers and officials create an atmosphere that makes these championships so special.”
“We extend our best wishes to all the teams competing in the four finals this month, and the upcoming Senior Finals, and look forward to witnessing more unforgettable moments on the pitch.”
“Reaching the All-Ireland finals represents the pinnacle of achievement in the club season, and I extend a warm welcome to Croke Park to all the players, management, and supporters involved in this momentous occasion,” added GAA President Jarlath Burns.
“This year’s championships have been a testament to the dedication and passion at the heart of the GAA, and I commend each of these clubs for their remarkable journeys.”
“For the players, representing your community on this national stage is an immense honour, and I have no doubt that the GAA Intermediate and Junior finals will deliver another thrilling display of skill and sportsmanship. We wish all the teams the very best of luck and hope they create memories that will last a lifetime.”
Match Previews
The AIB GAA All-Ireland Hurling Junior Club Championship final has Russell Rovers (Cork) set to face St Lachtains (Kilkenny) whose Brian Kennedy is pictured above in his own winter wonderland. As former Intermediate Champions, St Lachtains know what it takes to get across the line in an All-Ireland Final. Having beaten their semi-final opponents Easkey with a barrage of goals in the opening half, the Kilkenny side have shown that they are dangerous in their forward line. Similarly, Russell Rovers were comprehensive winners of their semi-final against Ballinascreen by a scoreline of 2-22 to 1-9. The Cork side had a strong spread of scorers in that game, with Luke Duggan-Murray bagging 1-3 from play. The game will throw-in at 12.30pm.
In the Intermediate final clash, Tynagh Abbey Duniry (Galway) and Watergrasshill (Cork) will attempt to go all the way. Coming in to their semi-final fixture as underdogs, Tynagh produced a fantastic performance against Rathnure, seeing off their opponents by an eight point margin. Watergrasshill overpowered their semi-final opponents in an even more convincing fashion, beating Carey Faughs by 15 points. On form forward Adam Murphy has hit 1-40 across his last four championship matches, and will certainly be a man to watch in the final. The game will throw-in at 2.30pm.
The AIB GAA All-Ireland Football Intermediate Club Championship final will see Ballinderry Shamrocks (Derry) come up against Crossmolina Deel Rovers (Mayo). The Mayo club will return to Croke Park for the first time since 2003 following a comprehensive victory over Caragh in their semi-final. Their intercounty stars of Conor Loftus and Jordan Flynn proved invaluable in this encounter, picking points up from all corners of the pitch. Ballinderry will have taken confidence from their tight semi-final win over Kerry’s Austin Stacks, having trailed early in the first half but ultimately coming away with a 0-11 to 0-7 victory. Challenging weather conditions meant that scoring opportunities were at a premium during this game, but Ballinderry were able to show their patience and land vital scores to make it to the final. The game will throw-in at 4.30pm.
SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE
If ever you have had the joy of being involved with a club team going all the way to an All Ireland Final you will know the excitement and the lifelong connection that comes from being with them on the journey. It really is the best of times.
WHAT’S UP NEXT?
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