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The
event will be officially launched by An tUachtaran CLG Sean McCague and the
Minister for Tourism and Sport Dr Jim McDaid at a lunch in Croke Park on Monday
18 September will also be carried by TG4. This festival which takes place
biennially is the fourth such event and with 12 teams participating it is
anticipated that it will be the biggest to date.
Over the space of five days, over 300 players will compete in 36 games of football in the Portmarnock with the finals taking place in Parnell Park on Friday 22nd. The European team will comprise of players based in Paris, Dusseldorf, The Hague, Brussels, Luxemburg and Guernsey while the Australasia team covers Australia, New Zealand and Singapore.
"This year sees a landmark for this Senior International Football Competition" said the President of the GAA, Mr Sean McCague, "as we welcome six female teams to complement the six male teams. This reflects the extraordinary development of women’s football abroad and also the increased co-operation between Cumann Peile Gael na mBan and Cumann Lúthchleas Gael here at home."
Club Chairman, Mr Frank Lynch welcomed the challenge and stated: "Cumann Luthchleas Gael Naomh Mearnóg is proud and delighted to host the Irish Holidays World Cup 2000. It is a great honour for our Club and we hope that all the participants, their friends and supporters enjoy their visit to Portmarnock where we trust new and lasting friendships will be made."
All of the games will take place at the clubhouse with the first games on Monday 18th commencing at 4.30pm, on Tuesday and Wednesday the games will commence at 3.30pm and on Thursday the semi- finals will take place at 4pm with the finals in Parnell Park on Friday afternoon.
All games will finish by 7pm.
As part of the festival there will be a hectic social calendar in place at the club.
Sunday - 17 September
Commencing on Sunday when the Australasia teams which we will host will be our special guests. The will be invited to dinner at the club followed by a night of music and craic in the bar.
Monday - 18 September
On Monday night all teams will dine at the club and the dinner will be followed by a ballad session and other informal music in the bar.
Tuesday - 19 September
The Guinness Jazz Band will be playing on Tuesday until late for all visitors.
Wednesday - 20 September
On Wednesday, there will be an Irish Music and Dancing night organised by Donncha O’Muineachain.
Thursday - 21 September
There will be a monster quiz with Micheal O’Muircheartaigh as Quiz Master on Thursday.
Friday - 22 September
The Competition will conclude on Friday night with a gala banquet in the Burlington Hotel.
The Club are grateful for the advice and support offered by Sean Kelly, Chairman of the Organising Committee, Debbie Massey fom Croke Park and Helen O’Rourke of the Ladies Football Association.
Fixtures, Itinerary, Maps, Directions, Results and Team Accommodation
Shamrocks GFC, Brisbane, Australia