Leinster and Munster go to battle in Galway as Super Hurling 11s Series kicks off

Press release on behalf of the GAA and GPA

Friday Sept 20, 2013

THE first leg of the Super Hurling 11s series takes place in Galway tomorrow when top inter-county hurlers from Leinster and Munster clash in Pearse Stadium at 2.30pm.

The game, which forms part of the Aer Lingus/Etihad Airways International Hurling Festival, is the first formal outing for the new short-form of hurling which has been devised and trialled over the past six months.

The GAA and GPA, with the support of Aer Lingus, are staging another Super Hurling 11s – ‘The Celtic Champions Classic’ – at the University of Notre Dame in the US next month.

Speaking about tomorrow’s clash, Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Liam Ó Néill said: “The short-form of the game will provide excellent opportunities for us to showcase hurling and I’m really looking forward to tomorrow’s clash to see how the players and supporters react and adapt to this development.”

GPA chairman Dónal Óg Cusack said: “We have had a wonderful reaction from our players to this concept and tomorrow is the first chance for them to put the preparation into action. We expect nothing short of a seriously competitive outing, providing a great spectacle for hurling supporters at the Festival.”

Aer Lingus Director of Communications Declan Kearney said: “Hurling fans are in for a real treat in Pearse Stadium tomorrow. They'll get to see the first ever public display of the Super 11s format but will also have a rare opportunity to see Leinster and Munster battle it out. Aer Lingus is very proud to support the Super 11s series.”

Munster will be managed by Cork’s Dónal O’Grady while Kilkenny’s Martin Fogarty takes charge of the Leinster squad.

The Munster 11s outfit will include Tipp ace Eoin Kelly and Declan Hannon of Limerick while Fogarty’s Leinster 11s include Kilkenny’s Richie Hogan and Dubs ace Liam Rushe.

The goals-only format will provide the opportunity for hurling to be played at a variety of venues internationally, particularly in the US where the GAA and GPA are keen to attract a new audience for the game.

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Further information contact:

GPA – Seán Potts, Head of Communications + 353 (0) 1 8575686, press@gaelicplayers.com

GAA – Alan Milton, Head of Media Relations +353 (0) 1 832 3222 alan.milton@gaa.ie