Hundreds of young Wexford GAA players to seek place in John West Féile finals

The invaluable role of volunteers the spirit of fun and friendship and the dedication of young players are all crucial elements in the success of the GAA’s youth competitions, according to Uachtarán CLG Jarlath Burns. His remarks come as he welcomed the news that John West has extended its sponsorship of Féile one of Ireland's largest underage sporting events, until 2028. In 2026, hundreds of young players from Wexford GAA will take part in county-level competitions, with hopes of progressing to the national finals in June. This extension of sponsorship highlights John West's ongoing commitment to Féile, a national under-15 Gaelic games celebration that spans all four codes and grades—camogie, hurling, Gaelic football, and ladies football. This year marks the 11th anniversary of John West’s sponsorship of Féile, which has grown to become one of Europe's largest underage sporting events. In 2025 alone, over 9,000 young players from 400+ club sides participated in the finals, which took place across various venues in Ireland following qualification at the county level. The John West Féile finals have attracted teams from around the world, including regions like the Americas, Australasia, mainland Europe, and Britain. The competition has helped generate greater interest in Gaelic games, particularly among children from non-Irish backgrounds. As many young players compete in their first national competition, Féile remains a defining experience for them. The GAA has worked tirelessly to ensure that Féile na nGael and Féile Peile na nÓg offer players, parents, and coaches a positive, rewarding experience. This year, the national finals for Féile na nGael (camogie and hurling) will take place in Carlow and Laois on Saturday, June 20, while the finals for Féile Peile na nÓg (Gaelic and ladies football) will be in Derry on Saturday, June 27. Teams in other grades will compete in regional finals across the country on the same weekends. In attendance at the announcement of three-year extension of John West’s sponsorship of Féile were Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Jarlath Burns, centre, with Isabelle O’Meara and Cillian O’Hanlon of O’Tooles GAA Club at Croke Park. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile *** NO REPRODUCTION FEE *** In attendance at the announcement of three-year extension of John West’s sponsorship of Féile were Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Jarlath Burns, centre, with Isabelle O’Meara and Cillian O’Hanlon of O’Tooles GAA Club at Croke Park. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile *** NO REPRODUCTION FEE *** In attendance at the announcement of three-year extension of John West’s sponsorship of Féile are, from left, Isabelle O’Meara of O'Tooles GAA Club, Country Manager at John West Ireland Sebastien Giraud, Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Jarlath Burns, John West Europe President Erwan Vilfeu and Cillian O’Hanlon of O'Tooles GAA Club at Croke Park. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile *** NO REPRODUCTION FEE *** In attendance at the announcement of three-year extension of John West’s sponsorship of Féile are, from left, Isabelle O’Meara of O'Tooles GAA Club, Country Manager at John West Ireland Sebastien Giraud, Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Jarlath Burns, John West Europe President Erwan Vilfeu and Cillian O’Hanlon of O'Tooles GAA Club at Croke Park. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile *** NO REPRODUCTION FEE ***