All-Ireland launch: Pic G Diver
Glenswilly GAA Club, home of Michael Murphy, today played host to the launch event to mark the onset of the 2013 All-Ireland Football Series following confirmation of the four provincial winners on the back of last weekend’s activity.
Monaghan and Mayo wins over Donegal and London respectively on Sunday allowed them to join Kerry and Dublin directly in the All-Ireland quarter-finals where they await one of the winning teams from next weekend’s round four qualifier clashes.
The provincial winners were represented on the day by Jonathan Lyne (Kerry), Owen Lennon (Monaghan), Eoghan O’Gara (Dublin) and Cillian O’Connor (Mayo), while Donegal’s Michael Murphy was also in attendance in his home club on behalf of the reigning All-Ireland Champions.
Today’s media event in Donegal saw Glenswilly join a list of clubs to host such an event which now includes Castlebar Mitchells (Mayo), Kerins O’Rahillys (Kerry), St Finbarr’s (Cork), Dunloy (Antrim), Ballyboden St Enda’s (Dublin).
GAA Ard Stiúrthóir Páraic Duffy thanked the Donegal club for hosting the event ahead of what promises to be a fascinating conclusion to the All-Ireland Championship.
He said: “Already in this year’s football championship we have seen many exciting games across the four provinces and I have no doubt that between now and September we will have more games to savour.
“Our four provincial champions will be keen to build on their success so far but previous years have shown that the sides that emerge from the qualifiers are more than capable of causing an upset.
“I wish all the players here today and their teams every success in the coming weeks and months and acknowledge these fantastic facilities provided by Glenswilly GAA Club to host this event.”
As it stands, there are 11 games remaining (without the possible need for replays) before the destination of the Sam Maguire for 2013 will be known.
