Ten teams involved in Mayo hurling championships
For first time ever, there will be 10 teams competing in the Connacht Gold Mayo GAA Hurling Championships.
The senior and junior competitions start this weekend, with a plethora of intriguing games down for decision right across the county.
History will be made this weekend as Moytura Hurling Club and Claremorris Hurling Club field adult teams for the first time ever in a new-look championship.
With three tiers, 10 adult hurling teams are now competing for county honours.
Tooreen, Ballyhaunis and Castlebar will battle it out for the much sought after T.J. Tyrrell Cup plus the honour of representing Mayo in the Connacht GAA Intermediate Championship. Favourites Tooreen toppled Moycullen from Galway last year in the Connacht final only to fall short to eventual winners Naas at the All-Ireland semi-final stage.
Meanwhile, Westport, Tooreen B, Ballina Stephenites and Moytura will lock horns for the right to lift the Tom Earley Cup and be crowned Mayo GAA Junior A Hurling champions.
Then it's Claremorris, Castlebar Mitchels B and Caiseal Gaels competing for the Ciaran Byrne Cup in the newly formed Mayo GAA Junior B Hurling Championship.
At the launch of the hurling championships at Hastings Insurance MacHale Park this week, Mayo GAA hurling secretary Sean Ó Raghallaigh said everyone was excited and looking forward to the start of the new season. He thanked Connacht Gold for their sponsorship and wished all the clubs well.
Said Sean: “Hurling is making great strides in the county at present and it is so encouraging that we now have 10 adult teams competing in the hurling championship. Huge credit is due to the players, parents, coaches, clubs and volunteers who are doing Trojan work in promoting the game at grassroots level. It is so encouraging to see the growing interest in hurling in our schools and in our clubs, and this augers well for the future of the game in Mayo.”
John Connor, area sales manager with Aurivo, commented: “We are delighted to continue our relationship with Mayo GAA with our sponsorship of the hurling championship this year. Aurivo has a strong history of supporting local sporting clubs and the growth of hurling in Mayo should be recognised and supported.”
Ó Raghallaigh added: “Connacht Gold is rooted in the community and like all of our hurling clubs they are at the heart of rural life in the county. Connacht Gold is a very reputable local company and their support of hurling is a great endorsement for the enormous work that our clubs and volunteers are putting in to promote the game every single week of the year.
“I want to wish all the clubs the very best in the championship and everyone is looking forward to some exciting games over the next few weeks.”
The fixtures this weekend are: T.J. Tyrrell Cup - Tooreen v Castlebar on Friday (August 12) at 7.30 p.m. in Josie Munnelly Park; Tom Earley Cup - Ballina Stephenites v Moytura on Saturday (August 13) at 7.30 p.m. in James Stephens Park, Westport v Tooreen B on Saturday (August 13) at 7.45 p.m. in St. Patrick’s Park; Ciaran Byrne Cup - Caiseal Gaels v Claremorris on Saturday (August 13) at 7.30 p.m. in Ballaghaderreen.