John West Féile Peile na nÓg national finals attract thousands to Mayo and Connacht
Eighty-four club sides, including teams from the US, Europe and the UK, will compete in the John West Féile Peile na nÓg (Gaelic football and ladies’ football) national finals across 10 venues in Connacht on Saturday, July 1.
What has grown to become one of the biggest underage sporting events in Europe will see 2,000 Gaelic footballers descend on the Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence in Bekan, east Mayo, as well as Castlebar's Hastings Insurance MacHale Park and Castlebar Mitchels.
Matches will also be played at Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada and Kiltoghert in Co. Leitrim; Tuam, Claregalway and Clonberne in Co. Galway; and Castlerea and Tubbercurry in counties Roscommon and Sligo respectively.
Meanwhile, 136 teams, comprising 3,000 players, will take part in John West Féile na nGael regional finals taking place at 17 venues across Ireland for teams outside the top division on the same day.
Throughout its eight-year sponsorship of Féile, John West has focused on the importance of natural nutrition in fuelling young athletes, whilst encouraging children to participate in Gaelic games. The company earlier this year announced an extension of its Féile sponsorship until 2025.
John West Ireland head of marketing, Anne-Claire Monde, commented: “John West is passionate about promoting easy and tasty natural nutrition, and the company engages with Irish families through Féile. The competition brings together not only thousands of Under 15 hurlers, camogie players and Gaelic footballers, but also their families and supporters in celebration of the GAA’s community ethos.”
Anne-Claire added: “At John West, we are passionate about establishing good nutritional habits among teenagers. Féile gives us the opportunity to highlight the importance of eating good quality natural protein and vitamin D to support an active lifestyle.”
Uachtarán CLG, Larry McCarthy, said John West Féile is now an integral part of the GAA calendar. “It nurtures an enthusiasm for our games, where friendships and memories are made. Generations have experienced the joy of being a part of Féile na nGael and Féile Peile na nÓg, and I look forward to seeing this tradition continue this year.”
Mr. McCarthy added: “Our thanks to John West for their support in the promotion of this competition and to the national organising committee for their work on John West Féile 2023.”
Ladies’ Gaelic Football Association president, Mícheál Naughton, highlighted John West Féile’s emphasis on fun, friendship and participation.
“Players will make new friends and re-connect with old friends. John West Féile will once again provide young players with lifelong memories.”