Leinster U14 and U16 Championships set for opening weekend

After a long winter, a sign of green shoots and slightly longer evenings can only mean one thing – the return of the u14 and u16 Leinster Championships. A new look u14 championship sees four groups instead of the traditional three, while the u16 championship will continue as last year.

In Group A, Westmeath will host neighbours Meath in Mullingar. Kildare will be visitors to Enniscorthy when they take on Wexford in Group B. In Group C, Clara is the venue as Kilkenny and Offaly battle it out while in Group D, Carlow host Louth in O’Hanrahans. All games are set for 2pm throw ins.

We wish all the players involved the very best of luck. For many this is the start of an inter-county career that will hopefully bring many friendships and life skills that can only be taught on the playing field.

To the managers and mentors of our u14 teams, we thank you for your selfless dedication and time ensuring that your respective teams are enjoying representing their clubs and counties.

To the many supporters that will undoubtedly don the sidelines and stands, we thank you for supporting your players and helping in creating a positive environment where players can thrive. It truly takes a village!

Meanwhile the U16 Championships are also set to get underway this weekend. The format of this year’s Championships remains unchanged from 2018. The action gets underway on Saturday at 2pm when Wicklow and Louth clash with all remaining games taking place on Sunday.

In Group A, the u16 squads from Meath and Kildare will get the show underway on Sunday in Pairc Tailteann as they play as a curtain raiser to their Senior male counterparts who play in the Allianz Football League at 2pm. While it is a crunch fixture for the men’s team, it may also be a crucial one for the ladies as both Meath and Kildare will look to get a winning start to their respective u16 campaigns. This is an excellent opportunity for both of these talented up and coming panels to showcase their ability in front of a big crowd and it’s terrific to see support being shown to both codes. Advice is get there early!

Reigning Leinster A Champions Dublin will launch a defence on their title in the excellent facilities of IT Blanchardstown on Sunday. Longford will provide the opposition and will go in to the contest full of confidence having defeated the Sky Blues in last year’s U14 competition. The action gets underway at 2pm.

In Group B, Ballylinan is the place to be as Laois host Westmeath from 2pm while at the slightly later time of 2:30pm, Wexford will host Offaly in Boolabaun.

On Saturday, Louth will travel to Blessington to take on the Garden County in the first of the Group C games. Both counties are enjoying a healthy start to their Lidl National League campaigns and this is sure to help encourage those in the underage competitions. On Sunday then, O’Hanrahans will host the meeting of Carlow and Kilkenny from 2pm.

It is set to be a busy weekend – but sure what other way would we want it? Best of luck to all our players and our thanks goes to the county managers and mentors who selflessly dedicate their time to ensure players represent their clubs and counties with pride and distinction!

 

Leinster U14 Championship 2019 – 2^nd March                                                             

Group A: Westmeath v Meath, St Lomans Mullingar, 2pm

Group B: Wexford v Kildare, Bellefield, Enniscorthy, 2pm

Group C: Kilkenny v Offaly, Clara, 2pm

Group D: Carlow v Louth, O’Hanrahans grounds, Carlow, 2pm

 

Leinster U16 Championship 2019 – Sun 3^rd March (Unless Stated)                                            

Group A

Dublin v Longford, IT Blanchardstown, 2pm

Meath v Kildare, Pairc Tailteann, 12noon

Group B

Laois v Westmeath, Ballylinan, 2pm

Wexford v Offaly, Boolabaun (Davidstown Courtnacuddy GAA), 2.30pm

Group C

Wicklow v Louth, Blessington GAA Grounds, 2^nd March, 2pm

Carlow v Kilkenny, O’Hanrahans grounds, Carlow, 2pm