GAA stars line out for Golf Challenge

Unfancied rural GAA clubs winning an All-Ireland title after all, it seems.

The 2007 FBD All-Ireland GAA Golf Challenge, launched today at the Castleknock Golf and Country Club in Dublin, allows the smallest clubs to take on the largest urban clubs on a level basis.

Now in its eighth year, the competition has no senior or junior status, no large or small section and no age restrictions, and even follows the traditional GAA All-Ireland format.

“The appeal of this competition is that it provides a level playing field for GAA men and women across the country,” said FBD director of insurance.

“With St Brigids back to defend their All-Ireland title, I am looking forward to watching some great golf over the coming months.”

Competition patrons former President of the GAA, Sean Kelly, Eddie Keher and current Armagh supremo Joe Kernan officially will be taking part in the GAA Stars celebrity four ball competition.

It begins at provincial level with more than 120 GAA Clubs attempting to win their respective provincial crowns.

These competitions take place across the country throughout the months of June, July and August with the provincial champions battling it out for All-Ireland glory at the Faithlegg Golf Club, Co Waterford during the second weekend in September.

Today’s launch witnessed the coming together of many GAA stars both past and present, with such household names as Tommy Carr (Dublin), Paul Flynn (Waterford), Babs Keating (Tipperary senior hurling manager) and the voice of Gaelic Games, Micháel O’Muircheartaigh.

This year will see a return of the international round of the competition involving teams from Europe and the US, which proved extremely popular among exiles last year.

Organised in partnership with the Dunhill GAA Club, Co Waterford, the FBD ALL Ireland GAA Golf Challenge is open to all GAA Clubs who pick their teams from their respective 2006 members.

The competition will run as a four ball better ball format – ¾ handicap. Both men and women are invited to compete with the handicap limit at 20 for men and 28 ladies. Further information is available at www.gaagolf.ie.