Coiste na nÓg Loch Garman has extended its partnership with The People Newspaper Group for another three years.
The sponsorship of all Coiste na nÓg under-age competitions commenced in 2012, and the arrangement will remain in place now until the end of 2023.
It will see a continuation of the Wexford People Under-17 hurling and football, Gorey Guardian Under-15 football, Enniscorthy Guardian Under-15 hurling, and New Ross Standard Under-13 hurling and football championships.
Micheál Martin, the new Chairman of Wexford County Board, has welcomed the announcement.
‘On behalf of Wexford GAA, I am delighted to agree the continuation of our partnership with People Newspapers as sponsors of our Coiste na nÓg competitions for three more years,’ he said.
‘The coverage and promotion of our underage competitions by People Newspapers is unrivalled around the country and is something Wexford GAA are very grateful for.
‘Our competitions at Under-13, -15 and -17 are an important part of our pathway to develop players from nursery to adult. In recent years, there have been significant improvements in our underage structures through the education of coaches on best practice.
‘Our clubs are working exceptionally hard to continuously improve the standard of coaching and games provided to our young players,’ he added.
‘To complement this work at club level, we have recently established a review committee under our coaching officer Tom Cousins and Coiste na nÓg chairman John Kenny to examine all aspects of our underage competitions and make suggestions as to how we can further enhance the games programme. This will involve widespread consultation with clubs.
‘While the present period is difficult for us all, we really look forward to the summer months when our GAA fields will be a hive of activity, with crowds hopefully permitted to enjoy our games, and when we can relive the action in our local papers each Tuesday,’ he concluded.
The sponsorship deal has also been welcomed by Darragh Clifford, Group Editor of People Newspapers.
‘We are delighted to be in a position to continue our sponsorship of Wexford GAA’s Coiste na nOg competitions. For years the coverage and promotion of Wexford’s underage competitions have been the bedrock of our unrivalled sports content, under the excellent editorship of our sports editor, Alan Aherne.
‘We look forward to being involved with the Coiste na nOg grades for a further three years and we thank Wexford GAA and chairperson Micheál Martin for giving us the opportunity to sponsor and promote these very important competitions.’