John West – sponsor of the GAA’s annual Féile Peile na nÓg (football) and Féile na nGael (camogie and hurling) competitions – noted that it is delighted by the introduction of a third tier to the nationwide competition.
What has already grown to become one of the biggest underage sporting events in Europe will now have a regional dimension, in addition to the well-established national and county competitions.
Throughout its sponsorship, John West has focused on the importance that nutrition plays in fuelling young athletes, while encouraging children to participate in Gaelic games.
This year, victorious clubs at Division 2 and 3 levels will play off on a regional basis in early summer. County competitions will begin in April.
John West Féile will also retain the move to the under-15 age grade, introduced last year, to ensure that children who missed out due to the pandemic in 2020 got a chance to compete in 2021.
Rounders and handball are also scheduled to make a return to John West Féile this year.
Natural Protein
The importance of natural protein in the diets of young athletes was stressed today (Thursday) as John West Féile 2022 was launched at Croke Park by Féile ambassadors and inter-county stars: Dublin’s Niamh Collins (ladies’ football), Limerick’s Seán Finn (hurling), Mayo’s Lee Keegan (Gaelic football) and Cork captain Amy Lee (camogie).
Leading sports dietician Noreen Roche, who has been involved with 13 All-Ireland winning teams, told the launch that natural protein, Vitamin D, and natural Omega-3 are key factors in maintaining good health amongst young athletes.
“Adequate intake of natural protein, Vitamin D and natural Omega-3 is essential to maintaining the health of young people,” said Roche.
“Proteins are the building blocks within the body, responsible for maintenance and repair of tissue.
“Intake of Vitamin D facilitates the normal functioning of the muscles, helps build and maintain healthy bones, and supports the normal functioning of the immune system.
“Oil-rich fish like salmon, mackerel and sardines are good sources of Omega-3, which contributes to the normal function of the heart and keeps cells healthy.”
Seventh Year Of Sponsorship
This is the seventh year of John West’s sponsorship of Féile, which brings together thousands of young hurlers, camogie players and Gaelic footballers in a celebration of the GAA’s community ethos through underage competition.
John West Féile 2022 will begin with county camogie and hurling on the weekend of 16-17 April, followed by county Gaelic football and ladies’ football on 1-2 May.
Regional competitions in camogie and hurling will be held on Saturday 28 May, with the Gaelic football and ladies’ football regional events taking place on Saturday 4 June.
National Finals
National finals in camogie and hurling will take place on Saturday 25 June in Dublin and Meath, with the finals in Gaelic football and ladies’ football happening on Saturday 2 July, in Dublin and Kildare.
“Féile gives us the opportunity to highlight the importance of sport in children’s lives, and of natural nutrition in their diets,” said Peter Rooney, general manager, John West Ireland.
“John West has created a range of products to support active families in a contemporary way, whilst consistently delivering the health benefits of natural protein, natural Omega-3, and Vitamin D.”
Integral Part Of GAA Calendar
Larry McCarthy, Uachtarán CLG, said that Féile has been an integral part of the GAA calendar for 50 years.
“It nurtures a love of our games, and ensures friendship and memories are among the key benefits of involvement in the GAA,” McCarthy noted.
“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 great success story continue in all our clubs.
“Our thanks to John West for the support they give us in the promotion of this iconic competition, and to the national organising committee for their work on John West Féile 2022.”
Importance Of Sport
Mícheál Naughton, president of the Ladies’ Gaelic Football Association, said that the importance of sport had been emphasised by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“John West Féile encompasses so many key elements of life, with an emphasis on fun, friendship and participation,” said Naughton.
“Players will make new friends and reconnect with old friends. John West Féile will once again provide young players with lifelong memories.”
Hilda Breslin, Uachtarán, An Cumann Camógaíochta, said that Féile na nGael is, for many players, their first time to compete in a national competition.
“I know their experience will be positive and inclusive, and pay tribute to the volunteers who make such a valuable contribution,” said Breslin.
© 2022 Checkout – your source for the latest Irish retail news. Article by Donna Ahern. For more A-brand news, click here. Click sign up to subscribe to Checkout.
