FBD Sevens Launched In Croke Park
It is all systems go for a very special All Ireland Football Sevens event next Saturday (22nd Sept). A new sponsor, FBD, and a new beginning - especially if you subscribe to the "life begins at 40" theory - for this annual pre-All Ireland GAA showpiece! Scroll down to read more about this years unique event, including the draw in full. Here is a selection of photos from todays launch in Croke Park.
Dublin Stars Help Celebrate 40th Anniversary of FBD 7s
Teams and Groupings Announced in Croke Park
Tuesday, 18thSeptember 2012
A host of Kilmacud Crokes and Dublin stars were onhand in Croke Park today as the draw for the 2012 FBD 7s was announced, as well as details for a number of celebratory events around the day itself.
Ardstiúrthóir Chumann Lúthchleas Gael, Paraic Duffy was joined by Kilmacud Crokes stars to launch the renowned tournament which takes place on Saturday, 22 September in and around Kilmacud.
Thisis the 40th year of Ireland's premier 7s tournament which has become a firm favourite in the GAA calendar for both players and supporters alike.
Asp art of the 40th Anniversary celebrations Kilmacud Crokes announced today that a specially designed All-Ireland Celtic Cross medal has been commissioned and that all of the previous winners have been invited back to help celebrate the day and indeed the last 40 years.
Returning this year will of course be the fans favourite: a draw for those elusive All-Ireland tickets.
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 Donegal were not shy in signing up. Mayo club Knockmore will be joined by Claremorris, while Gaoth Dóbhair and Dunloe will be flying the Donegal flag.
Other teams to have signed up this year include previous winners Clan na nGael (Roscommon), Corofin (Galway), Bryansford (Down) and county champions from Sligo (Tourlestrane), Cavan (Cavan Gaels) and Antrim (St. Gall's). Teams qualify for the prestigious tournament by either winning their county championship or by invitation.
To mark the 40th anniversary all previous winners were invited back for the 2012 tournament.
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: "Kilmacud Crokes long running Sevens event has long since been enshrined as an integral part of All-Ireland weekend and huge crowds flock to the club year in year out to see top level action and to really kick start All-Ireland weekend.
"Its a credit to the club that they organise the event to such a high standard on an annual basis and I wish them well with their 2012 event, knowing it will be every bit as successful as in previous years."
Mr. SeanFox, Broker Development Manager with FBD said, "As a member of Kilmacud Crokes I am very proud to be standing here in Croke Park on the 40th anniversary of the premier Sevens competition in Ireland and obviously from an FBD point of view, I am delighted to be here for our first involvement with the Sevens.
"Now over 40 years in business, FBD's commitment to Irish Sport is set to continue as we expand our sponsorship within the GAA arena, from the well established FBD Connacht League, to the new FBD 7s in Kilmacud Crokes.
"As an Irish company, FBD recognise the important role the GAA has played in both the rural and urban life of this country. We applaud their ongoing contribution and that of clubs such as Kilmacud Crokes who epitomise all that is good at club level within the organisation.
"We wish all those competing the very best of luck."
Commenting on the event, John Shovlin Chairman of Kilmacud Crokes Football Committee,said; "It is hard to believe that this is the 40th year of the Sevens and we hope that this year will be a unique celebration of all that is great about Sevens football and we look forward to welcoming the teams to Kilmacud Crokes.
"There is no doubt that times are tough at the moment for all and we are very appreciative of FBD and their support and for coming on board in what we hope will be a mutually beneficial partnership overthe next few years.
"Now known as the FBD 7s we believe that this partnership will help to keep the Sevens tournament front and centre on All-Ireland Final weekend as it should be.
"To the senior lads here today from our own club, thank you for being such wonderful ambassadors for your club and county this year and for bringing Sam back to the capital last year.
"This competition has without doubt gone from strength to strength over the last 40 years but special thanks must also go to the GAA and to the media for their continued support," he concluded.FBD 7s 2012
Saturday 22nd September 2012
Teams, Groups & Venues
(2011 County Champions Highlighted in Red)
(Previous 7s Champions Highlighted in Blue)
| Group 1 | Group 2 | ||
| Ballymun Kickhams | Dublin | Leixlip | Kildare |
| Corofin | Galway | AN Other | |
| Gaoth Dóbhair | Donegal | Kickhams Creggan | Antrim |
| Ilen Rovers | Cork | Ballylanders | Limerick |
| Group 3 | Group 4 | ||
| Naomh Olaf | Dublin | Skryne | Meath
|
| Killererin | Galway | An Gregan/Maghlocha | Galway |
| John Mitchell's | Derry | St. Brigids | Antrim |
| Clan na nGael | Roscommon | Ballinascreen | Derry |
| Group 5 | Group 6 | ||
| Kilmacud Crokes | Dublin | Gracefield | Offaly
|
| Knockmore | Mayo | Milltown | Galway |
| Eoghan Ruadh | Derry | Dunloe | Donegal |
| Erin's Own | Antrim | Bryansford | Down |
| Group 7 | Group 8 | ||
| Ballycumber
|
Offaly
|
St. Mary's (S)
|
Dublin
|
| Caherlistrane | Galway | Kilkerrin-Clonberne | Galway |
| St. Galls | Antrim | Cavan Gaels | Cavan |
| Clonoe O'Rahillys | Tyrone | Castlewellan | Down |
| Group 9 | Group 10 | ||
| An Tóchar
|
Wicklow
|
St. Lomans
|
Westmeath |
| Cortoon Shamrocks | Galway | Claremorris | Mayo |
| St Patricks (Loup) | Derry | Clonduff | Down |
| An Ríocht | Down | Tourlestrane | Sligo |
| Venues | |
| Glenalbyn | Groups 1 & 2 |
| St Olafs | Groups 3 & 4 |
| Silverpark | Groups 5, 6, 7 & 8 |
| St Olafs | Groups 9 & 10 |
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 on Saturday next.