Exciting new Munster Competition

ByCLG Tulach Sheasta Posted on

Preaseisiúint: Dúshlán na Seaimpíní Iománaíochta na Mumhan urraithe ag Safety Direct – Newport GAA Club will host a Munster Intermediate Hurling Club Champions Challenge to be played during the month of February.

Following the decision in recent years allowing the Premier Intermediate champions in each county to go forward in the Provincial and All Ireland Intermediate series, this prevented the intermediate hurling winners from representing their respective counties. Newport GAA Club saw an opportunity here to host a competition that would give the intermediate hurling winners a competition where they could represent their county. They applied and received permission from Munster GAA Council and immediately approached each of the county champions in the Munster counties. It was appreciated that these clubs had a late finish in November/December2025 and the ideal situation would have been to play immediately after their county final. Logistical arrangements meant that February was the earliest commencement date possible which did not suit all the clubs in this inaugural year for the 2025 winners. As the club intends this to be an annual event it is envisaged that the 2026 tournament will be held in December 2026 leading to a possible All Ireland Final.

The hosting club Newport are fortunate to secure an ideal sponsor for the competition in Safety Direct. Based in Galway, but very active throughout the country, Safety Direct supply over 15,000 health, safety and hygiene products to industries throughout Ireland. A sister company, Controlled Environments Company (CEC) works closely with a number of companies around Limerick City and throughout Munster. Safety Directs Business Development Manager, Tom O’Brien, is an active member of Killimordaly GAA Club in Galway and likewise the company MD John Doyle is a member of Turloughmore GAA Club. John Doyle confirmed “Safety Direct are delighted to be part of this exciting new tournament and look forward to working with Newport GAA in making it an immediate and long-term success story. We are certain that clubs throughout Munster will be delighted with this opportunity to compete outside of their own county and challenge for what will become a prestigious title.”

Safety Direct previously supported Newport GAA Club with equipment for their very successful Special Summer camp last year. For this competition the company will present the Safety Direct Trophy which will be presented to the captain of the Munster winners each year.

The Safety Direct Champions Challenge will consist of two semi-finals and a final  with the objective of playing and completing the competition over three weekends during February as follows:

  • Sat Feb 14th @ 2pm: Semi Final A: Murroe-Boher (Limerick) v An Rinn (Waterford)
  • Sat Feb 21st @ 2pm: Semi Final B: Smith O’Briens Killaloe (Clare) v Knockavilla Kickhams (Tipperary)
  • Sat Feb 28th: Safety Direct Munster Final: Winners A v Winners B

All games will be played in Lacken Park, Newport.