FBD 7s LAUNCHED AT CROKE PK. 16TH SEPTEMBER
Dublin and Mayo Stars of 2006 on hand to launch FBD7s
Teams and Groupings Announced in Croke Park
With All-Ireland Final weekend less than a week away all eyes were on Croke Park today as Mayo and Dublin stars from the famous tussle in 2006 were on hand to reminisce and also to announce the draw for the 2013 FBD 7s.
Back in 2006 and despite the best efforts of Kilmacud Crokes and Dublin players Ray Cosgrove and Mark Vaughan, Mayo forwards Kevin O'Neill and Conor Mortimer contributed seven points between them to steer Mayo into the 2006 All-Ireland Final.
Today they were joined at headquarters by Ardstiúrthóir Chumann Lúthchleas Gael, Páraic Duffy and a host of Kilmacud Crokes players past and present to launch the renowned FBD 7s tournament which takes place on Saturday, 21st September in and around Kilmacud.
This is the 41st year of Ireland's premier 7s tournament and the second year with FBD as title sponsor. It is a day which has become a firm favourite in the GAA calendar for both players and supporters alike.
FBD also announced that as part of the day itself a special 7s game will be held ahead of the Final, featuring a team of Dáil Éireann 'All-Stars' taking on a GAA media selection. Raffle tickets will be sold at the same time as the game for a chance to win All-Ireland tickets, with all proceeds going towards the official GAA charity, Fighting Blindness.
The tournament itself will see the best club teams from all over the country travel to compete and given the weekend that is in it; it is no surprise that teams from Mayo and Dublin were not shy in signing up. Mayo will be represented by Claremorris and Aghamore, while Dublin will have five teams competing including Oliver Plunkett's Eoghan Ruadh and Parnell's.
Other teams to have signed up this year include reigning champions St. Galls (Antrim), last year's beaten finalists Corofin (Galway), in addition to Ilen Rovers (Cork), Naomh Mícheál (Donegal) and Bryansford (Down). Teams qualify for the prestigious tournament by either winning their county championship or by invitation.
Teams will play out the group stages at four venues in the Stillorgan area with the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final being played on Saturday afternoon in Glenalbyn, the home of Kilmacud Crokes.
Speaking at the launch, Ard Stiúrthóir Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Páraic Duffy said; "The All-Ireland weekend is about so much more than what happens on Sunday on Jones' Road and the FBD 7s in Kilmacud Crokes is a great start to the weekend for the teams involved but also for GAA fans from all over the country who head along to see top class action.
"I would like to congratulate all involved and wish everyone in Kilmacud the very best of luck on Saturday and no doubt we will have an excellent day of footballing action."
Mr. Michael Garvey, Director of Marketing and Sales with FBD said, "I am delighted to be here at Croke Park for the launch of the 2013 FBD 7s in Kilmacud. This is the second year of FBD's sponsorship and we are looking forward to another hugely successful staging of what is undoubtedly the premium 7s competition in Ireland.
"FBD has a long and distinguished association with the GAA at both grassroots and national level which we hope to continue long into the future.
"As an Irish company we have always admired the hugely influential role that the local club has in the both rural and urban areas. Clubs such as Kilmacud Crokes are the centre point of their communities and exemplify the true spirit of the GAA.
On behalf of FBD I would like to wish all of clubs competing in this year's tournament the best of luck. "
Commenting on the event, John Shovlin Chairman of Kilmacud Crokes Football Committee, said; "This is one of the biggest weeks in the GAA calendar and we in Kilmacud Crokes are very much looking forward to the FBD 7s on Saturday. It is such an integral part of All-Ireland Final weekend in Dublin and we can't wait to welcome the 32 clubs and their supporters to Kilmacud on Saturday.
"This is the second year of FBD's support and at a time when clubs all over the country are struggling we are very grateful to them for their continuing support and for the work they have done in raising the profile of this competition.
"Obviously Sunday is also a very special day for the club and we are delighted to see Kilmacud Crokes represented on the county team and we wish Jim and his panel the very best of luck against Mayo.
"This competition has without doubt gone from strength to strength over the last 41 years but special thanks must also go to the GAA and to the media for their continued support," he concluded.
FBD 7s 2013
Saturday 21st September 2013
Teams, Groups & Venues
(2012 County Champions Highlighted in Red)
(Previous 7s Champions Highlighted in Blue)
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Group 1 |
Group 2 |
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Clan na nGael |
Dublin |
Carbury |
Kildare |
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Eoghan Rua, Coleraine |
Derry |
St Oliver Plunketts E-R |
Dublin |
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Ilen Rovers |
Cork |
Tempo Maguires |
Fermanagh |
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Celbridge |
Kildare |
Claremorris |
Mayo |
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Group 3 |
Group 4 |
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Emmet Óg |
Longford |
Simonstown Gaels |
Meath |
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Naomh Conaill |
Donegal |
St Gall's |
Antrim |
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Caherlistrane |
Galway |
Aghamore |
Mayo |
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Naomh Olaf |
Dublin |
Bray Emmetts |
Wicklow |
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Group 5 |
Group 6 |
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St. Patricks |
Wicklow |
Parnells |
Dublin |
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Naomh Mícheál |
Donegal |
Kickhams Creggan |
Antrim |
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Padraig Pearses |
Roscommon |
St. Laurences |
Kildare |
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Bryansford |
Down |
Corofin |
Galway |
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Group 7 |
Group 8 |
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|
Leixlip |
Kildare |
Kilmacud Crokes |
Dublin |
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Ballyholland Harps |
Down |
Castleblayney Faughs |
Monaghan |
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Dungannon Thomas C |
Tyrone |
Tuam Stars |
Galway |
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Kilkerrin-Clonberne |
Galway |
Gaoth Dobhair |
Donegal |
Venues
Glenalbyn Groups 1 & 2
St Olafs Groups 3 & 4
Silverpark Groups 5, 6, 7 & 8
Group games will be played on a league basis. The winner of each group will qualify for the knock-out stage of the competition. The first games take place at 11.00am.
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| FBD 7s Launch Croke Pk - click on the image for more photos |