Donnelly holds the line again for interpros
Associated with the competitions since 2001, the Clare businessman had hoped to be an associate sponsor this year.
However, following a meeting with GAA director general Páraic Duffy, he agreed to be the sole backer of the formerly-named Railway Cups.
“I’m on board and everything is going ahead,” said Donnelly. “I had a very good meeting with Páraic and his secretary Teresa Rehill and I’m delighted now that everything is going ahead.”
“It’s on a lifeline but we’ll have a launch and it’s key now to get the message out there.”
Donnelly believes the timing of the games in February may just work in the competitions’ favour.
“I don’t know but it seems people are more anxious at the moment to get to games. Seán Boylan is in charge of Leinster and his presence will generate attention.
“I’m sure there are a few Dubs who would like to play under him and find out what his secret is.”
The M Donnelly Interprovincial football semi-finals take place on February 19 with Boylan’s Leinster taking on Munster in Parnell Park and Fergie O’Donnell’s Connacht hosting Ulster, managed by Joe Kernan, at Markievicz Park.
The hurling semi-finals will be staged the same day with the Joe Dooley-led Leinster welcoming Munster to Nowlan Park and Anthony Cunningham guiding Connacht against Ulster in Ballinasloe’s Duggan Park.
The football final is scheduled for Sunday, February 26 with the hurling showdown taking place on Sunday, March 4.
Both the football and hurling fixtures are organised for free weekends in the respective Allianz League competitions.
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