Ratoath All-Ireland 7s
August 27, 2010Ratoath GAA hosted the inaugural All Ireland Intermediate Hurling 11's tournament in 2009 and following its resounding success the Hurling 11's will once again take place on Saturday, 4th September 2010 on the eve of the All Ireland Hurling final.
Hurling 11's Format
While the Hurling 11's tournament is in its infancy it is attracting unprecedented interest among the Hurling faithful. The Hurling 11's format was devised in conjunction with the GAA's Director of Games Pat Daly and the Hurling Development Committee under Chairman Ned Quinn with senior clubs permitted to enter from those counties outside the Liam McCarthy Cup. It mirrors the format of the provincial club championship so every county should have a chance to compete for the trophy.
Football 7's Format
The All Ireland Intermediate Football 7's teams compete in group stages over one day at the single venue which boasts 6 pitches for football and 3 full size pitches for hurling with the top eight teams playing in the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final. Teams qualify for the Sevens by winning their county championship or by invitation to compete hence the majority of competing teams will have current Senior status.
2010 Tournaments
The All Ireland Intermediate Tournaments have become a favourite with GAA fans and are the perfect opening to what is considered the most important weekends of the year on the GAA calendar. GAA enthusiasts will flock to see exciting football and hurling and to soak up the atmosphere before the All-Ireland finals. As outlined above the Ratoath Sevens and Elevens attract the upcoming Senior clubs and the tournaments are quickly becoming an integral part of the GAA calendar by playing a vital role in the atmosphere that defines All-Ireland final weekends. Both tournaments offer the chance for players and officials from all over the country to come together in the proper spirit of Gaelic games.
We are confident that the 2010 events will continue to grow and are impressed by the interest being expressed by clubs that have previously graced the fields in Ratoath. The value of the 7s and 11s tournaments is to bring back the fun element. This is not just like another 15-a-side game, it requires a different type of approach that while no doubt is competitive, is about showcasing the skills and tactics in the games. These competitions provide the opportunity for players and teams who wouldn't normally feature on the national stage to showcase their skills. The tournaments and Ratoath facilities provide a perfect meeting place for players and coaches to see different styles of football and hurling which can change the way a player or management approach the game. The occasion can initiate a relationship between clubs that will last a lifetime, create a twinning process between those who meet up on the day.
The events are organised and run very professionally by the Ratoath 7's and 11's Committees and take place in Sean Eiffe Park, Ratoath. Over the previous years the GAA Presidents (Seán Kelly, Nicky Brennan, Christy Cooney) and Director General Paraic Duffy were among a number of top GAA officials who attended the competitions and they continue to endorse it as an annual event. The club is confident that this year's events will continue to grow and we are expecting club representation from all 32 counties.
We are delighted once more to welcome the top club sides from around Ireland to compete in these action packed tournaments. We would like to thank the GAA for their support and look forward to welcoming GAA fans from all over Ireland to our club to savour these special days of free flowing and exciting Hurling and Football. Tweet
