Poc Fada hits a very special year, for a number of reasons

The 2021 M. Donnelly GAA All-Ireland Poc Fada finals were officially launched by Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael, Larry McCarthy, and Uachtarán an Cumann Camógaíochta, Hilda Breslin, in Croke Park yesterday.

This is a very special year for the Poc Fada, for a number of reasons. Firstly, this year’s competition is an invitational event which will see recent competitors return to Annaverna Mountain in what promises to be a highly competitive field. Also, it marks 60 years of All-Ireland Poc Fada competition.

Additionally, the very first Poc Fada – which saw six Under 16 boys compete on Annaverna Mountain – will be celebrated and honoured, with the four surviving players and their family members welcomed along this year.

Two great Poc Fada loyalists will also be remembered – former champion Oliver Gough (1964) and Lester Ryan, who championed the competition at every level and was responsible for so many others driving this unique event. Their families will be welcomed to Annaverna.

This year, the GAA also celebrates one of its longest running sponsorships. Martin Donnelly has been sponsoring the GAA Poc Fada for 25 years through his MD myclubshop.ie brand – a fantastic contribution that has sustained the competition throughout so many years.

The unique Gaelic games contest promises to be a great day of sport. Speaking at the launch, Mr. McCarthy said: “I am delighted to see the return of this unique sporting event, which embodies the broad cultural and historical significance of our unique game of hurling that, we are proud to say, has been recognised by UNESCO for its intangible cultural heritage, and we are honouring that designation by holding an event which sustains and secures a heritage dating back to Cu Chulainn. We are very grateful to Martin Donnelly for his continued support through MD myclubshop.ie.”

Speaking about this year’s finals, Uachtarán an Cumann Camógaíochta, Hilda Breslin, commented: “It’s fantastic to see the All-Ireland Poc Fada finals return this year in what is always an exciting day in the camogie calendar. I am particularly enthused to see such a star-studded field taking part on what should be a fantastic occasion at the Annaverna Mountain.”

Defending senior hurling champion Cillian Kiely (Uíbh Fhailí) puts his crown on the line against a high class field that includes his brother Cathal and players of the calibre of Kilkenny’s Eoin Murphy. The Kielys finished in first and second place in 2019, with Cillian finishing with one less poc than his younger sibling, Cathal.

On the camogie side, champion Caitriona Daly from Galway defends her title against a field that includes recent All-Ireland intermediate medal winner from Antrim, Roisin McCormack. Abbey Donnelly, from Meath, continues a family tradition by following in the footsteps of her father and grandfather, who was a joint winner in 1962. All-Ireland senior winning goalkeeper Sarah Healy from Galway, a two-time Under 16 winner, and Lyndsey Condell from Carlow, a two-time winner in 2007-2008, will also compete.

Unfortunately, due to Covid-19 restrictions that have been in place in the months leading up to the event, there are no Under 16 competitions this year.

The M. Donnelly GAA All-Ireland Poc Fada final proceedings will get under way at 12 noon on Annaverna Mountain, in the Cooley Range, Ravensdale, Co. Louth, on Saturday, September 25.

The hurling playing order is: Paddy McKillian (Tyrone), Colin Ryan (Limerick), Gareth Johnson (Down), Sean Nugent (Galway), Darren Geoghegan (Louth), Callum Quirke (Wexford), Eoin Murphy (Kilkenny), Tadhg Haran (Galway), Ronan Taaffe (Clare), sponsor's guest (TBC), Cathal Kiely (Offaly), Cillian Kiely (Offaly).

Camogie playing order: Aideen Lyons (Galway), Roisin McCormack (Antrim), Lyndsey Condell (Carlow), Martina McMahon (Limerick), Abbye Donnelly (Meath), Áine Slattery (Tipperary), Aoife Murray (Cork), Sarah Healy (Galway), Molly Lynch (Cork), Caitriona Daly (Galway).