Fun, friendship and the vital contribution of volunteers must remain central to the future of Gaelic games, according to GAA President Jarlath Burns, speaking at the announcement of John West confirming an extension of its sponsorship of Féile through to 2028.
The announcement was made at Croke Park today, with the company reaffirming its long-standing commitment to the GAA’s national under-15 celebration across all four codes and grades. The renewed deal will see John West continue as title sponsor of Féile, one of the most significant fixtures in the underage sporting calendar.
“John West Féile has nurtured a wonderful enthusiasm for our games and has been the making of many friendships and memories,” Burns said.
“Generations have experienced the joy of being a part of Féile na nGael and Féile Peile na nÓg, and I warmly thank John West for its sponsorship. John West Féile provides young players with lifelong memories. Fun, friendship and participation are at its heart, and it thrives due to the invaluable contribution of parents and volunteer coaches. We must never lose sight of that.”
This year marks the eleventh year of John West’s involvement with Féile, during which time the event has grown into one of the largest underage sporting festivals in Europe.
In 2025 alone, more than 400 club teams and approximately 9,000 players competed in the finals stage, hosted across multiple venues nationwide after qualifying through county competitions.
The reach of the John West Féile has extended well beyond Ireland. Teams from the Americas, Australasia, mainland Europe and Britain have taken part in recent years, with the competition widely credited for helping to stimulate interest in Gaelic games among children from non-Irish backgrounds and within emerging GAA communities overseas.
Central to the sponsorship has been a shared focus on health and well-being. John West has used its partnership with the GAA to highlight the importance of a healthy, balanced diet, not only for young players but across the wider GAA community.
Anne-Claire Monde, Head of Marketing at John West Ireland, said the company continues to invest in promoting nutrition and resilience among juveniles. “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, while encouraging teenagers to actively participate in Gaelic games.”
Top-tier teams will contest the national finals later this summer, with Féile na nGael taking place in Carlow and Laois on Saturday, June 20, followed by Féile Peile na nÓg in Derry on Saturday, June 27. Regional finals for other grades will be staged across the country on the same weekends.
Féile na nGael has been a cornerstone of the GAA’s underage programme since 1971, while Féile Peile na nÓg celebrates its 44th year in 2026, continuing a tradition that places community, participation and lifelong connection to Gaelic games at its core.
Image Credit: GAA and Sam Barnes, Sportsfile
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