The 2026 John West Féile has been officially launched at Croke Park, marking the eleventh year of the company’s sponsorship of one of Europe’s largest underage sporting events, with a renewed emphasis on nutrition, wellbeing and participation across the GAA community.

The company has also confirmed its commitment to the Féile programme through to 2028, underlining the long-term importance of the initiative within the GAA calendar.

The annual Féile Peile na nÓg and Féile na nGael competitions bring together thousands of under-15 players from across Gaelic football, hurling, camogie and ladies football, as well as rounders and handball.

Since John West first partnered with the initiative, the festival has grown significantly in scale and reach, with over 400 club teams and approximately 9,000 players competing in last year’s finals alone.

The 2026 launch also highlighted the role of nutrition in supporting young athletes, with Féile ambassadors Leah Caffrey, Carrie Dolan, Darragh McCarthy and Shane McGuigan lending their support to the message around healthy eating and balanced lifestyles.

John West Ireland Head of Marketing Anne-Claire Monde said the sponsorship continues to centre on promoting positive habits among young players and their families.

“Every year, thousands of young players are brought together in celebration of the GAA’s community ethos through underage competition,” she said. “John West consistently seeks to inform people of the benefits of everyday nutrition in support of a healthy lifestyle.

“Throughout our sponsorship of Féile, we have focused on the importance of natural, tasty nutrition in fuelling families, while encouraging teenagers to actively participate in Gaelic games.”

GAA President Jarlath Burns paid tribute to the enduring value of the Féile, both on and off the field.

“John West Féile has nurtured a wonderful enthusiasm for our games and has been the making of many friendships and memories,” he said. “Generations have experienced the joy of being part of Féile na nGael and Féile Peile na nÓg, and I warmly thank John West for its continued support.”

The Féile continues to attract international participation, with teams travelling from Europe, Britain, the Americas and Australasia, contributing to the growth of Gaelic games beyond traditional strongholds.

This year’s national finals will take place across multiple venues, with Féile na nGael scheduled for Carlow and Laois on June 20, and Féile Peile na nÓg set for Derry on June 27. Regional finals across various grades will also be held nationwide on the same dates, following county competitions in April (Féile na nGael) and May (Féile Peile na nÓg).

Ladies Gaelic Football Association President Trina Murray highlighted the lasting impact of the event on young players. “Players will make new friends and reconnect with old ones. John West Féile will once again provide experiences they will never forget,” she said.

Camogie Association President Brian Molloy added that the competition remains a standout occasion in the camogie calendar. “It gives young players the opportunity to represent their clubs and communities on a national stage, while creating friendships and memories that will last a lifetime,” he said.

 

 

 

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Image Credit: GAA and David Fitzgerald, Sportsfile

 

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