Dublin gearing up for Féile 2012

After months of preparation for clubs across the country, the 2012 Féile na nGael finally comes into view.

Today, in Dublin, over 2500 children will take part in GAA events including hurling, camogie and handball in clubs around the country.

In its 42nd year, Féile na nGael has gone from strength to strength, with several current inter-county players fondly recalling their own individual experiences of the event.

The streets of Dublin will be a sea of colour as team’s representing their county parade through O’Connell Street tonight and one of the organisers of tonight’s event, Sinead Ryan, is hopeful of a big turnout.

“This is a huge event for all underage GAA players, not only do they have a chance to play against teams from different counties, they will all have the opportunity to set foot in Croke Park, as this year’s parade is starting from GAA headquarters.”

This year’s parade will see all teams start in Croke Park, heading up to Mountjoy Square before moving down to O’Connell Street. One of the great commentators of GAA Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh will be present to give a quick history on each club that walks by the review stand.

Clubs across the country have put in plenty of hard work making sure this annual event runs smoothly.

“Most clubs have fundraised themselves to provide tracksuits and to raise funding for buses or banners for the Féile,” says Ryan. “It shows great community spirit, so the Dublin Féile committee insists it will be a Féile to remember.”

Games will commence this afternoon and with GAA president Liam O’Neill, camogie president Aileen Lawlor and handball chief Walter O’Connor present, it promises to be a huge weekend for the association.

Handball fans will also have the opportunity to take a look at the new facilities in CityWest this weekend.

As Handball Ireland prepares for the world championships this September, Féile teams will be playing their respective finals in the venue tomorrow.

Division 1 and Division 2 teams in hurling and camogie will play their finals in Croke Park on Saturday while Divisions 3, 4, 5 in both codes will play their finals in Parnell Park.

Traffic restrictions will be rolled out across the capital tonight and there will be rolling road closures from Croke Park travelling up to Gardiner Street on to O’Connell Street from 7pm to 9pm.

Jones Road will also be closed from 6.45pm to 9pm on Thursday night. O’Connell Street Northbound will remain open to traffic at all times.

Persons attending this parade are advised to use public transport to travel to the city centre.