Bord Gais to sponsor U-21 hurling championship

The GAA have announced that Bord Gais will be the new sponsors of the GAA Under-21 hurling championship for 2008 and 2009, taking over from Erin Foods.

Christy Cooney, President elect of the GAA, and the Association's Director General Paraic Duffy were joined at today's launch at Croke Park by Bord Gais Chief Executive John Mullins and players participating in this year's championship.

Commenting on the sponsorship deal, Cooney said: "I am delighted to welcome Bord Gais on board as one of our sponsorship partners.

"They are a very progressive company with a number of exciting plans for the future and it is particularly pleasing for the GAA that their sponsorship of the Under-21 hurling championship is included in those plans.

"We look forward to working with them over the next two years."

Bord Gais Chief Executive Mullins stated: "We are delighted to be supporting the Under-21 hurling championship. The Under-21 level is hugely important in the players' development to attain senior status and has produced some of the best games over the last number of years.

"Bord Gais has always been committed to supporting our heritage and culture and by investing in the Under-21 hurling championship we hope to fuel the senior stars of the future."

2008 BORD GAIS GAA UNDER-21 HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP FIXTURES:

Wednesday, July 30 -

Munster championship final: Clare v Tipperary, Cusack Park, Ennis, 7.30pm Ulster championship: Armagh v Antrim, Keady, 7.30pm; Down v Derry, Ballycran, 7.30pm

Wednesday, August 6 -

Ulster championship: Down v Armagh, Ballycran, 7.30pm

Saturday, August 23 -

All-Ireland semi-finals: Galway v Kilkenny; Clare or Tipperary v Ulster champions

Saturday, September 13 or Sunday, September 14 -

All-Ireland final