There is a line in ‘Glory’ the theme from the movie about Martin Luther King that ‘it takes the wisdom of the elders and the young people’s energy’ to make change happen.
The GAA has taken the second part to heart building a powerful roster of underage sponsors at national level…
EirGrid launched the second year of their sponsorship of the GAA Football Under 21 All-Ireland Championship this week.
Youth and energy clearly go well together in the GAA with Electric Ireland sponsoring the Minor All Ireland Championships in Hurling and Football, and Bord Gais Energy taking on the U21 Hurling equivalent.
EirGrid is the state-owned company that manages and develops Ireland’s electricity grid. It used last year’s first association with the GAA to build relationships with key stakeholders around the country and the fresh face of the Championships is indicated by the fact that only one of the provincial Champions last year filled the same spot at senior level.
Activations this year will include the EirGrid Player of the Month awards, as well as recognising the outstanding players of the Championship through the EirGrid 21 Under 21s initiative which will be announced at the conclusion of the Championship in May.
The 2016 EirGrid ambassadors, who will assist in promoting the competition between February and May, are former U21 Football All-Ireland winner for Meath, Trevor Giles, and former U21 Football Ulster champion for Tyrone, Sean Cavanagh.
They will join members of the Gaelic Writers Association, in choosing the EirGrid 21 Under 21s as well as participate in initiatives to promote the Championship in the coming months. Highlighting individuals in the manner of the All Stars is an effective way of spreading the reach to counties beyond those who make it to the final stages.
The first throw-in of the 2016 Championship is in Leinster on 24th February, while games will begin in Ulster, Munster and Connacht on 9th March.
“The EirGrid GAA Football U21 Championship was a hugely entertaining competition last year and we are looking forward to the 2016 championship offering similar levels of drama and entertainment in the coming weeks and months,” said GAA President Aogán Ó Fearghail.
“The competition provides young promising footballers with a platform to parade their undoubted talents on and a window to future progress. Crucially, it also provides them with the chance to compete for a coveted All-Ireland medal.”
“We are extremely proud to partner with the GAA and sponsor this Championship which affords us the opportunity to get behind the most talented young footballers in the country,” added Eirgrid CEO Fintan Slye.
“At EirGrid we manage and develop Ireland’s electricity grid and our business mirrors this Championship in that it covers the entire country.”
“With the incredible talent on display in this Championship we are sure that the future of Gaelic football is very bright for years to come.”
Tyrone, the defending champions, were represented at the launch by Frank Burns (pictured above) while Jimmy Feehan was in attendance to represent Tipperary, the beaten All-Ireland finalists and Munster champions. The 2015 Leinster and Connacht champions Dublin and Roscommon were represented by Eoin Murchan and Cathal Compton respectively.
