Michael Kirwan from Kilkenny will compete in the All Ireland Poc Fada finals in a few weeks time.
The finals take place on the Cooley Mountains on Saturday August 3rd.
He’s competing at U16 level and is first out on the day.
The unique Gaelic Games contest promises to be a great day of sport, and speaking at today’s draw John Horan said: “I welcome this year’s staging of the Poc Fada competition for 2019 and wish all the competitors well in what must be one of the most unique competitions in our stable.
“Few of our events encapsulate the history of the game in the way that the Poc Fada does and the route the players and followers will take over the Annaverna Mountain is nothing short of spectacular.
“A special word of thanks to the organising committee and to our sponsor and partner Martin Donnelly for his going support.”
Speaking about this year’s Finals, Uachtarán an Cumann Camógaíochta Kathleen Woods said: “The August Bank Holiday weekend is always a fantastic occasion on the Cooley Peninsula when we witness the wonderful spectacle which is the Poc Fada Finals. This is a unique and exciting competition which showcases some of the key skills of our games and I am very much looking forward to another thrilling competition this year.”
Defending senior hurling champion, Cillian Kiely of Offaly, puts his crown on the line against a high calibre field that includes his brother, Cathal, and the M. Donnelly picks, Cork’s Patrick Horgan and Poc Fada veteran Brendan Cummins. The Kielys had dominated the under 16 competition in recent times and will be hoping that the trend continues in the senior competition for years to come.
Susan Earner of Galway also returns to defend the Senior titles she captured in 2017 and 2018.
The under 16 hurling competition will have a new name on the trophy after Kyle Shelly won the trophy in 2018. Oisín Marley returns to the mountain having competed in last year’s All-Ireland Final.
The under 16 Camogie competition will be contested by competitors from Antrim, Cork, Dublin and Galway and will also see a new champion crowned.
The M. Donnelly GAA All-Ireland Final Proceedings will get under way at 11am on Annaverna Mountain, Ravensdale, Co. Louth on Saturday, August 3r
