2004 Allstars to be held in Phoenix

The GAA and sponsor Vodafone have announced that the venue for the 2004 Allstars tour will be Phoenix, Arizona.

Both the 2002 and 2003 hurling Allstars will travel and play an exhibition game in Phoenix in the last week of January.

This is the fourth tour since the concept was revived. The footballers visited Dubai in 2000 and San Diego this year, while the hurlers had a very successful trip to Argentina in 2001.

The venue was approved by the Management Committee of the GAA last weekend after receiving an invitation and detailed submission by Phoenix Gaels GAA Club. It will be the first time that an official tour has visited the state of Arizona.

GAA President Sean McCague welcomed the news: “Since the tours were revived the Allstars have visited new venues and felt the great warmth and affection of the people in Dubai, Buenos Aires and San Diego.

“Our most recent trip to San Diego was an outstanding success. Everyone was touched by the dedication and energy of a voluntary committee in the city that ensured the visit would be memorable for everyone.

“I'm sure the hurlers will have a similar experience in Phoenix.”