In schools throughout Munster, boys and girls are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Munster hurling and football Championships for it also heralds the start of the Munster GAA Primary Game. Championship days in Munster, hurling or football, would not be complete without the exhibition games provided by boys and girls from the competing counties. Games will be played at half-time during each senior match in the Munster Championship.
This year’s Primary Game will see almost 500 boys and girls from all six counties of Munster line out in their county colours at Semple Stadium, Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Walsh Park and other venues throughout the province.
Played at half-time during Munster Championship games, The Munster GAA Primary Game gives sports-mad boys and girls the opportunity to wear their county jersey on Big Match Day, sharing the spotlight with their heroes on their “Field of Dreams” in front of huge crowds of ardent supporters.
Many children who made their inter-county debut in the Primary Game have gone on to greater things: Hurlers Nickie Quaid, Barry Nash, Declan Hannon and camogie stars Rebecca Delee, Caoimhe Costelloe and Orlaith Kelliher are among many Limerick players to have a Primary Game jersey stashed away carefully at home.
All Star Kerry footballer Tadhg Morley made his inter-county debut in the Primary Game as did David Clifford, Killian Spillane and other members of Jack O’Connor’s squad.
Tipperary star Noel McGrath first wore the blue and gold of the Premier County in the Primary Game as did Willie Connors and Ronan Maher. Republic of Ireland international footballer David Meyler has often spoken of the thrill of wearing the Cork jersey as part of the Primary Game team as did Cathal Heffernan, now plying his trade with Newcastle United.
“The emphasis in the Primary Game is on participation, enjoyment and making new friends,” says Tim Murphy, Chairman of the Munster Council.
Dave Collins, Chairman of Munster Cumann na mBunscol, emphasised the importance of the games: “This year’s Munster GAA Primary Game promise to be very exciting for all the children. Activities such as these are the lifeblood of our games.”
The launch of the 2025 Munster GAA Primary Game took place at Áras Mumhan, Newcastle, Castletroy, Limerick on Monday March 10th. Intercounty players in attendance included All-Ireland winning Kerry footballer Aoife Dillane, Limerick’s Aidan O’Connor, Darragh McCarthy of Tipperary, Waterford hurler Mark Fitzgerald and Limerick camogie star Sarah Cosgrove.
