An innovative nutrition programme for Galway’s young Gaelic footballers, camogie players, and hurlers has been launched by GAA U15 sponsors John West.
The programme goes hand in hand with John West’s continued sponsorship of the GAA’s under 15 annual Féile Peile na nÓg (football ) and Féile na nGael (camogie and hurling ) competitions till 2025, with a partnership with SuperValu to promote the féile in stores.
One of the biggest underage sporting events in Europe, this year’s event and the national finals take place at the Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence at Bekan, Co Mayo.
The John West Féile na nGael finals will be played on Saturday, June 24, with the Féile Peile na nÓg finals taking place on Saturday, July 1.
To coincide with the launch of John West Féile 2023 at Croke Park, the company said its ‘Eat Strong Go Strong’ strength and resilience through natural nutrition message is part of a campaign to build awareness among young athletes of how and when to refuel, particularly before and after matches and training.
Developed in partnership with expert dieticians who are key opinion leaders in the nutrition field, John West said its high-quality natural protein products help optimise the physical growth and development of young players.
Regional finals in all four codes for counties outside of division one will also take place on the last Saturday in June (Féile na nGael ) and the first Saturday of July (Féile Peile na nÓg ), at venues nationwide.
John West Féile Peile na nÓg county competitions will be played over the weekend of April 15/16 with Féile na nGael county competitions taking place over May 6/7
Now in it eighth year of John West’s sponsorship, Féile brings together thousands of young hurlers, camogie players and Gaelic footballers in a celebration of the GAA’s community ethos through underage competition.
“John West Féile gives us the opportunity to highlight the importance of sport in children’s lives and of natural nutrition in their diets so they can refuel in a manner similar to their inter-county heroes,” said John West Ireland head of marketing, Anne-Claire Monde.
“We have created a range of products to support active families in a contemporary way whilst consistently delivering the health benefits of natural protein and natural vitamin D.
Uachtarán CLG, Larry McCarthy, says John West Féile is an integral part of the GAA calendar.
“It nurtures an enthusiasm for our games, where friendships and memories are made,” he says.
“Generations have experienced the joy of being a part of Féile na nGael and Féile Peil na nÓg, and I look forward to seeing this tradition continue this year.”
Ladies’ Gaelic Football Association President, Mícheál Naughton, highlighted John West Féile’s emphasis on fun, friendship and participation.
“Players will make new friends and re-connect with old friends. John West Féile will once again provide young players with lifelong memories.”
Hilda Breslin, Uachtarán, The Camogie Association, said John West Féile na nGael is, for many players, their first time to compete in a national competition.
“I hope their experience will be positive, both on and off the field, and pay tribute to the volunteers who make such a valuable contribution to make John West Féile so special.”
Féile na nGael has been in existence since 1971, while Féile Peile na nÓg will mark 41 years this year. Last year, 170 club sides, comprising 4,000 players, participated in the John West national fin
