Wed, 01 Apr 2009 15:46:00 IST
FBD All-Ireland Golf Challenge Celebrates its Tenth Year
The 2009 FBD All-Ireland GAA Golf Challenge was launched today (31st March) at Croke Park where GAA President, Nickey Brennan confirmed the GAA’s official support for the competition. The dates and venues for the 2009 FBD GAA Golf Challenge have been announced and entries are now being accepted for this year’s competition.
A host of current and former GAA stars joined Nickey Brennan at headquarters, including Steven McDonnell (Armagh), Eddie Brennan (Kilkenny), Mickey Harte (Tyrone manager) and John O’Mahony (Mayo manager) to launch the tournament which is celebrating its tenth year this year.
The FBD All-Ireland Golf Challenge is carried out along the same format as the GAA All-Ireland Championships. Initial rounds see over 120 GAA Clubs challenging each other for provincial success and, ultimately, an all expenses paid place in the final at the exclusive Faithlegg Golf Club, Co. Waterford in September. In recent years, the competition was extended to take in the US and has generated huge interest in GAA circles in New York and Chicago.
Last year, Leinster champions St. Brigids of Dublin claimed their second FBD All-Ireland Golf Challenge in impressive style at Faithlegg. Captained by former Dublin footballer Martin Cahill, who was ably assisted by former Dublin hurler Sean Duignan and brothers Cian and Donal O’Mahony, St. Brigids led from start to finish and ended the first day with a combined points tally of 82 with New York representatives Roscommon GAA club on 79 and former Waterford hurling goalkeeper Brendan Lander’s Lismore on 78.
"It is a great boost for the competition to now have the official support of the GAA at its side and I’d like to thank Nickey Brennan for his involvement," said Adrian Taheny, Director- Marketing and Sales, FBD Insurance. "The FBD All-Ireland GAA Golf Challenge has been bringing All-Ireland titles to clubs across Ireland and abroad for ten years now and is growing year on year. FBD is delighted to continue its association and support of this unique competition."
Speaking at the launch, GAA President Nickey Brennan said, "This competition has gone from strength to strength in recent years thanks to FBD’s support and one of the attractions of it lies in the fact that it mirrors the GAA’s championship structure which sees clubs competing for provincial honours before a possible All-Ireland challenge.
"I wish all the competing clubs luck and it’s great to see so many familiar names involved in so many of the club teams. These players bring the same competitive streak that made them stand out on the GAA pitch to the golf course and an exciting summer of golf awaits."
Organised in partnership with Dunhill GAA Club, Co. Waterford, the FBD All-Ireland GAA Golf Challenge is open to all GAA Clubs who enter teams selected from their 2008 members. The competition is run as a four ball better ball format – ¾ handicap and events take place throughout June, July and August before the final in September. Both men and women are invited to compete, with the handicap limit set at 20 for men and 28 ladies.
For fixtures & venues visit www.gaagolf.ie
Pictured above L-R: Stevie McDonnell (Armagh), Joe Kernan, GAA president Nickey Brennan, Eddie Kehir, Adrian Tahney (FBD) & Barney Rock