Féile football fever hits Treaty City
First played in 1982, when there were only two divisions, Féile Peil has grown to nine divisions, three for girls.
The festival is similar to the hurling, which proved an outstanding success in Cork a fortnight ago. Forty-eight boys’ and 24 girls’ teams from all over Ireland and as far away as New York, Brussels and England will be hosted by clubs in Limerick for the weekend.
In the build-up to the festival, GAA President Sean Kelly, accompanied by members of the Limerick senior football team and manager Liam Kearns, visited national schools in the city and county, encouraging students to get involved with their local clubs.
Teams will assemble for registration at Mick Neville Park in Rathkeale, Kilmallock, Oola and Mungret grounds between 12 and 1pm on Friday. The first games in the round robin series will take place between 2 and 3pm.
Kilmacud Crokes (Dublin), who are chasing the double, were beaten in last year’s final by Corofin (Galway).
One of the many highlights of the weekend is the parade of teams through the city. All teams will gather at Pery Square at 6pm and will parade from there to the Gaelic Grounds.
Saturday will be a hectic day with all divisions being played down to the finalists. The skills competitions will also be held at various venues throughout the county.
On Sunday, it will be an early start for those teams taking part in the nine finals at the Gaelic Grounds, commencing with Boys’ Division 6 at 9.30am.
There will be a break between the games from 1 to 2pm for the skills finals. The girls’ premier divisional final is down for decision at 3.30pm, followed by the boys’ decider at 4.15pm.
At the end of the event, the Féile flag will be given to the Wicklow committee, next year’s hosts.
