Michael Hogan Festival of Football in Tipperary is launched

The launch of the Michael Hogan Festival of Football took place in FBD Semple Stadium. It  has been organised by the Tipperary Football Committee and supported by the Friends of Tipperary Football, the county juvenile committee and Tipperary coaching and games development.

The aim of the festival is to raise the profile of Gaelic Football within Tipperary. It highlights the importance to maximise the amount of opportunities for juvenile players to play the game. This football festival will offer an opportunity to play the game in a fun environment for young people in Tipperary.

It involves U11 and U13 tournaments for clubs across Tipperary. The Under 11 tournament is set to take  place on Saturday June 3rd June this year. The Under 13 competition will be held later in the year in October. This football festival is in its third year now and it has grown steadily year on year.

The feedback from players, mentors and clubs generally has been hugely positive. In previous years the festival proved a big success overall and it is hoped that this can be built upon. The growth of the competition is dependent on clubs ensuring all children get to take part in the competition.

The popularity of the competition meant that many clubs entered two teams in the competition. The Michael Hogan Festival of Football was originally started to commemorate the centenary of Bloody Sunday and remember the name of the Grangemockler Ballyneale native that has been carried across the decades.

The competition  gives young players the chance to showcase their skills, meet up in a fun and competitive environment and also to  play a part in a growing competition. Almost  1,000 children will take part in each tournament which is set to be played in up to 10 venues across Tipperary.

It is hoped that teams from all parts of the county will take part and that venues across the county will host groups where games will take place. In previous years the format followed similar lines to the Feile and Peil competitions held annually, with each location hosting their own independent competition.

Of particular importance to the committee, is the need to continue to raise the standards across all parts of the county at juvenile level and ensure that all children get the opportunity and encouragement to develop both their own skills and an interest in and love of the game.

Michael Hogan was a corner back on the Tipperary team in 1920 that played on Bloody Sunday. This tournament started out as part of the centenary celebrations and it has grown ever since, becoming an important fixture on the GAA calendar. It is hoped the tournament will be a boost to football around the county as several intercounty football stars from the past and present will be in attendance at the various venues where the games take place.

 Another important part of the Under 11 tournament is the  'Young Whistlers' who will be involved on the day of the tournament to gain vital experience at refereeing. Their involvement and development is very  important too. Overall the tournaments promise to be memorable occasions and to be a great experience for all involved. Further details will be made available in due course and it is hoped that it will be a great success once more.