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The beautiful Cooley Mountains are once again the venue for the annual Martin Donnelly All Ireland Poc Fada, a competition that sees some of Ireland's top hurlers take to Annaverna Mountain in Ravensdale to try to claim a coveted all Ireland medal.
The event takes place next Monday 4 August starting at 11.30am.
Last year's Champion Kilkenny Senior hurler Fionan Mackessy will return to the mountain seeking to make it three All Ireland Poc Fada titles in a row.
This year will also see the return of Tipperary legend Brendan Cummins. Cummins hold the record of 9 Poc Fada titles, having won his first over 20 years ago in 2004. Previous winners Cillian Kiely (Offaly) and Colin Ryan (Clare) will make it a very competitive field.
The Camogie All Ireland title is also up for grabs with Cork goalkeeper Molly Lynch hoping to secure a remarkable 5th title on the trot. Down’s Sara Louise Graffin will also be competing.
The U16 Camogie and Hurling Poc Fada finals take place also.
Speaking at the launch of the event, Pat McGinn, a member of the National Poc Fada Committee said: “This is a unique event and I know that any hurler who had tackled the demanding 5km mountain course is really smitten by the sporting contest”.
McGinn who was appointed to the Croke Park National Poc Fada Committee by GAA President Jarlath Burns has had a lengthy involvement with the hurling contest.
“I got involved in the Poc Fada over thirty years ago through Fr Pól Mac Seáin known affectionately as ‘An tAthair'.
"He and all those involved in the early years of An Poc Fada had a great influence on me, an influence that exists to this very day.
"Martin Donnelly the sponsor and myself have been great friends for many years and Martins support both financial and practical has lifted the Poc Fada to new heights. Martin has been very supportive of Gaelic sports and many other sports including Boxing and former world champion Bernard Dunne is a welcome and regular visitor to Annaverna mountain for the Poc Fada."
Pat had great praise for the local organising Committee chaired by Paul Comiskey. “These are the unsung heroes who year after year ensure that Annaverna Mountain is prepared to host An Poc Fada Craobh na hÉireann.
"They have a passion for and commitment to An Poc Fada that is another fitting example of true volunteerism."
The route to the venue are signposted from the Carrickdale Hotel. Car Parking facilities are available at the bottom of the mountain with a shuttle service for those who may need it. Car sharing to the Poc Fada is encouraged.
The Playing Order
Senior Hurling
1. Cathal Dillon, Tipperary
2. Pearce Smyth, Down
3. Noel Fallon, Roscommon
4. Sean Og McLaren, Antrim
5. Killian Phelan, Kilkenny
6. Cillian Kiely, Offaly
7. Darren Geoghegan, Louth
8. Brendan Cummins, Tipperary
9. Pat Burke, Westmeath
10. Bobby Douglas, Mayo
11. Colin Ryan, Limerick
12. Fionan Mackessy-2024 Champion, Kilkenny
Senior Camogie
1. Isobelle McInerney, Clare
2. Ellen Leech, Antrim
3. Patricia Coote, Westmeath
4. Maeve Muldoon, Galway
5. Sara Louise Graffin Down
6. Molly Lynch- 2024 Champion, Cork
U16 Hurling
1. Donnacha Collins, Derry
2. Oran Stratford, Galway
3. Sean Og O’Regan, Waterford
4. Conor Raleigh, Westmeath
U16 Camogie
1. Siofra Ginty, Offaly
2. Kayla Garrett, Galway
3. Saoirse Ryan, Tipperary
4. Eimear Ward, Antrim
