Féile na nGael

Féile na nGael (Irish pronunciation: [fʲeːlʲə n̪ˠə ɲɛ̝̈ːəlʲ]), Irish for "Festival of the Gaels" is an annual tournament comprising the sports of hurling, camogie and handball organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association. Its stated aim is to bond communities, forge friendships, provide educational opportunities and unearth new leaders.

The competition hosts approximately 25,000 boys and girls each year with all 32 GAA counties represented along with teams from London and Warwickshire. Féile na nGael states that its primary objective is to facilitate and enable personal, social and cultural development amongst young people with emphasis on cultural and community activities, leadership and training through sport.

Féile na nGael was first held in 1971 and was hosted by Tipperary. Since then it has been held annually in late June in different counties. Féile na nGael in 2011 was hosted by Galway. Participation in Féile na nGael is by invitation. In general all clubs in the host county are invited to participate while all other counties host local versions of the event and the winners are then nominated to represent their county at the National event. Sometimes the runners-up in certain counties may be invited also and the organising committee is free to decide how many clubs from a particular county are invited each year. The Division 1 Féile na nGael winners receive the Christy Ring cup commemorating the famous Cork hurler. It depicts Cloyne Tower in Cork.