GAA launch Football Championship in Tralee

The GAA today broke new ground by launching the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship at a club venue for the first time, with players from all four provinces on hand to launch the 2010 campaign at Kerins O'Rahillys' clubhouse in Tralee.

Kerins clubman and Kerry senior footballer Michael Quirke joined Cork captain Michael Shields, Mayo's Trevor Mortimer, Tyrone's Stephen O'Neill and Alan Brogan of Dublin to launch this year's All-Ireland SFC at the Kerry club.

Dublin club Ballyboden St. Enda's has been earmarked to host the 2010 Hurling Championship launch, which will take place next week.

GAA President Christy Cooney says that club venues will continue to host such prestigious events in the coming years.

"Today is the first time we have launched any of our Championships in a club. It is very appropriate, and it is something we are going to do more frequently," he said in Tralee.

"Without the club scene none of us would be here today. Without the club scene, and the nurturing it gives our players from a very young age, we wouldn't have our senior inter-county stars.

"Today is a very special day for our Association, and I want to thank the Uachtarain, Cathaoirleach and the Leas-Cathaoirleach of the (Kerins O"Rahillys) club.

"I also want to pay special tribute to Sean Walsh, Peter Nolan and Eoin 'Bomber' Liston for their help in helping to organise this event."

Cooney also paid a special tribute to the players who attended the launch, and the wider GAA playing family.

"They are all tremendous players, who are all tremendous amassadors for our Association," he said.

"In particular I welcome Michael Quirke. It's nice to be in your home club Michael, and I am sure it is a special honour for your today.

"I wish the lads and all their colleagues, and all of the teams throughout the country every success in the year. It is going to be a mouth-watering Championship I'm sure.

"Every team wants to win the All-Ireland, every team that starts out gives themselves a chance of winning a provincial, or an All-Ireland title - and that's the way it should be."