Players and managers descended upon Bord na Móna O’Connor Park in Tullamore today (12th December) to warm up for the new season with the launch of the Bord na Móna Leinster GAA series.

Wexford hurling manager Davy Fitzgerald and Dublin footballer Jonny Cooper were among the representatives from across the province in attendance, as the focus begins to switch to the resumption of inter-county activity on December 30th this year.

Wexford manager Davy Fitzgerald, Dublin selector and coach Anthony Cunningham, Kilkenny selector Derek Lyng, and Offaly Manager Kevin Martin at the launch of the Bord na Móna Leinster GAA series at Bord na Móna O’Connor Park, Tullamore, Co Offaly. 

2017 saw the Dublin footballers regain the Bord na Móna O’Byrne Cup with a victory over a spirited Louth team while the Walsh Cup hurling decider was also a keenly contested affair with Kilkenny edging out Galway in a Nowlan Park decider.

Following a positive response from supporters it has been decided to maintain the format for the Bord na Móna O’Byrne Cup which will see teams divided into groups and with mid-week matches taking place to reach the semi-finals.

Leinster GAA Chairman Jim Bolger said: “We are delighted to continue our partnership with Bord na Móna and build upon the strong relationship we have built since 2012.

“They understand the importance of community and the work that we do to enable our clubs and members to be the best they can be.

“The Bord na Móna O’Byrne Cup football trophy has been competed for since 1954 and the Tom Walsh Cup has existed since 1956. Between them they have played a crucial role in Leinster GAA, whereby the proceeds generated by attendances is used in a special fund that looks to benefit ordinary GAA people in Leinster who are in need of assistance.

Jonny Cooper of Dublin with, from left, Alan Mulhall of Offaly, Kevin Feely of Kildare, and Sean Gannon of Carlow at the launch of the Bord na Móna Leinster GAA series at Bord na Móna O’Connor Park, Tullamore, Co Offaly. 

“These are special competitions that have a crucial place in the calendar because in both codes they act as a vital dress rehearsal for the start of the National Leagues and provide a warmly welcome outlet for supporters who have been starved of seeing their county play since the summer.

Speaking on behalf of Bord na Móna, Pauline Browne said: “We are delighted to be title sponsors of the Bord na Móna O’Byrne Cup, Bord na Móna Walsh Cup, and the Bord na Móna Kehoe Cup.

“Bord na Móna has a long-standing presence and involvement with the people of Leinster in every community and county through our employees and customers. We live in these communities, we work in these communities and we are deeply invested in creating the brightest possible future that we possibly can.”

“This sponsorship began in 2012 and saw us become the first title sponsor in the competitions long history and continues our strong association with the GAA. The growth and success of our association in the last few years made it a natural decision to extend our relationship with Leinster GAA.”

12 December 2017; Wexford manager Davy Fitzgerald at the launch of the Bord na Móna Leinster GAA series at Bord na Móna O’Connor Park, Tullamore, Co Offaly. The Bord na Móna Leinster Series comprises of the Bord na Móna O’Byrne Cup, Bord na Móna Walsh Cup and the Bord na Móna Kehoe Cup. Photo by Matt Browne/Sportsfile

All the fixtures for the competitions are on leinstergaa.ie – The opening games are:

BORD NA MÓNA O’BYRNE CUP SF – Dec 30th

Group 1: Offaly v Wexford

Group 2: Louth v Longford

Group 3: Wicklow v Carlow

Group 4: Westmeath v Laois

 BORD NA MÓNA WALSH CUP SH – Dec 30th 

Group 1: Carlow v Wicklow

Group 2: Kildare v Laois

Group 3: Meath v Antrim

Group 4: Offaly v Westmeath