2009 All-Ireland U-21 Hurling Championship launched

The All-Ireland U-21 Hurling Championship was launched at Croke Park yesterday by a number of stars who will be involved in it, Galway's Joe Canning, Cork's Patrick Horgan, Kilkenny's Richie Hogan, Seamus Callinan of Tipperary, Liam Rushe of Dublin and Antrim's Aaron Graffin.

At the launch, Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Criostóir Ó Cuana wished everyone connected with this year’s competition every success.

He said: “The U-21 grade is a hugely important one for us, especially in hurling. We need as many big, high profile games for hurling as we can get and the Bord Gáis Energy GAA U-21 Hurling Championship has not let us down in this regard in recent seasons."

“Bord Gáis Energy is very proud to be continuing its sponsorship of the GAA Hurling U-21 All-Ireland Championship in 2009,” said David Bunworth, MD of Bord Gáis Energy.

“The theme for the 2009 Bord Gáis Energy GAA Hurling U-21 All-Ireland Championship centres on ‘Breaking Through’ and this Championship is a vital platform for players hoping to ‘break through’ to senior level and counties hoping to make the vital ‘break through’ to All-Ireland glory."

Cork legend and Bord Gáis Energy Sports Sponsorship Manager Ger Cunningham added;

“I would like to thank our ambassadors for the work they will be undertaking to support our aims and of course I wish them and all teams participating in this year’s Championship the very best of luck.

"We are lucky to have stars such as Joe Canning, Ritchie Hogan and Seamus Callinan on board and their status should be an inspiration to their peers."

The Leinster U-21 Championship kicked off last Wednesday, when current All-Ireland champions Kilkenny beat Laois to set up a semi final meeting with Offaly.

This year, Kilkenny are aiming for their tenth All-Ireland title at U-21 level, while Dublin will be seeking their first in this competition, Galway and Tipperary will be looking for their ninth and Cork for their 12th.