GAA kick off summer battle with soccer’s Euro 2012

The marketing drive by the GAA to counter the impact of Euro 2012 moves up a gear next month as every county in the All-Ireland championships will hold an open session simultaneously.

A directive has been sent from Croke Park for all counties to organise the open event on Friday evening, May 11 where players will be made available to the media for interviews as well as meet supporters and children. The massive PR push is being driven by GAA president Liam O’Neill and director general Páraic Duffy who have written to each county chairman, instructing them to organise the open session on that evening from 7-8.30pm.

“This event will only succeed if it happens in every county on the same night and at the same time. There can be no deviation from this date/time,” they state in the letter sent to each county. “We are relying on every county to cooperate in what will be a strong statement of our intention to vigorously promote the 2012 championships.”

Hurlers and footballers will be expected to take part in the event in each county in an effort to promote the provincial and All-Ireland championships before the start of the European Championships in Poland and the Ukraine.

“This event is being organised to provide access to our county players for children, supporters and local media in an effort to raise the profile of the 2012 championships,” added the notice.