Hundreds of young Louth GAA players to seek place in John West Féile finals

Fun and friendship, along with the invaluable input of volunteers, must never be taken for granted by the GAA, according to Uachtarán CLG, Jarlath Burns, as he welcomed the announcement of an extension of John West’s sponsorship of Féile at Croke Park, which will see hundreds of young Louth GAA players take part in competitions at county level in 2026 seeking to qualify for the national finals in June.

John West has reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to GAA’s national under-15 Gaelic games celebration, across all four codes and grades, until 2028.

“John West Féile has nurtured a wonderful enthusiasm for our games and has been the making of many friendships and memories,” the Uachtarán said.

“Generations have experienced the joy of being a part of Féile na nGael (camogie and hurling) and Féile Peile na nÓg (Gaelic football and ladies football) and I warmly thank John West for its sponsorship.

“John West Féile provides young players with lifelong memories. Fun, friendship, and participation are at its heart. It thrives due to the invaluable contribution of parents and volunteer coaches, and we must never lose sight of that.”

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This year will mark the eleventh of John West’s sponsorship of Féile. It has grown remarkably in that time to become one of the biggest underage sporting events in Europe. In 2025, over 400 club sides, comprising 9,000 players, competed in the finals alone, across numerous venues nationwide, following qualification at county level. 

The John West Féile finals have drawn teams from all over the world, including the Americas, Australasia, mainland Europe and Britain, where the competition is credited with helping fuel interest in Gaelic games amongst children from non-Irish backgrounds.

The sponsorship has seen John West stress the importance of a healthy, balanced diet among not only players, but also the wider GAA community.

According to John West Ireland Head of Marketing, Anne-Claire Monde, the company is investing in the promotion of nutrition and resilience among juveniles.

“Every year, thousands of young players are brought together annually in celebration of the GAA’s community ethos through underage competition,” she said. “John West consistently seeks to inform people of the benefits of everyday nutrition for all in support of a healthy lifestyle.

“Throughout its sponsorship of Féile, John West has focused on the importance of natural, tasty nutrition in fuelling families, whilst encouraging teenagers to actively participate in Gaelic games. As a trusted, high quality, heritage, but innovative, health and nutrition brand, our convenient and sustainable products are a natural fit for families involved with the GAA.

“And as John West Féile is, for many players, their first time to compete in a national competition, the GAA has always worked to ensure a positive experience for players, parents and coaches, who make an incredible contribution to ensure it is so special.”

Top-tier sides compete in what are known as the national finals, which this year take place in Carlow and Laois on Saturday, June 20 (Féile na nGael) and Derry on Saturday, June 27 (Féile Peile na nÓg). Teams at other grades will take part in regional finals at venues throughout the country over the same two Saturdays.

Féile na nGael county competitions are scheduled for the month of April, with Féile Peile na nÓg county competitions taking place in May. 

Féile na nGael has been in existence since 1971, while Féile Peile na nÓg will mark 44 years this year.