Three back Waterford

On Thursday last 12th January at the magnificent WIT Complex in Carriganore high speed network 3 announced a renewel of their sponsorship deal which will see the telephone giants pledge their support to the Deise for a further three years. As per the initial deal announced in 2009 the sponsorship of Waterford GAA covers both the hurling and football codes and includes all grades from minor to senior intercounty level. As part of the sponsorship agreement a new Waterford kit design for the 2012 season was unveiled and was worn on the occasion by players from both the senior hurling and senior football panels.

The new jersey bears the 3 logo and will be available to purchase in the coming months. Waterford GAA County Board chairman Tom Cunningham said " We in the GAA are absolutely delighted that 3 have elected to come on board for a further three years, ensuring the continuity and mutually beneficial association that has been in place since 2009. Three has become synonymous with Waterford GAA and I'm certain that our players and supporters will fully endorse and embrace the continued association".

Replying on behalf of Three, CEO Robert Finnegan said "We at Three are delighted to announce the renewal of our association with Waterford GAA for a further three years. The county is renowned for having some of the most passionate players and fans in the country who rally support and take great pride in their county colours with unrivalled spirit. Waterford hurling is indeed going through an exciting period of change with the introduction of Michael Ryan as team manager and having won a Munster Final and reached the All-Ireland semi-final in each of the last three seasons we can look forward with confidence to the challenge of the season ahead. I hope that our continued association will enable Waterford GG to thrive and be a source of joy for the passionate Deise supporters".

Attending on the afternoon were both Senior hurling manager Michael Ryan and Senior Football manager John Owens. Both managers were full of optimism for the season ahead and although the footballers were beaten in their opening game of the McGrath Cup there are areas now that must be worked upon before the National Football League begins with a game away to Clare.

With the enthusiasm shown by both managers and the players in attendance one would be forgiven for thinking that maybe this year 2012 will be one we will all remember. Let's hope so.

Proposal

County Board will hold their championship structures meeting in Lawlor's Hotel on Monday 23rd January. Interestingly Coiste Peil are proposing that the senior Football championship be divided into two groups with six teams in each group. The county finalists of 2011 (Ballinacourty and Stradbally) to be in seperate groups. Likewise the beaten semi-finalts (Nire and Kilrossanty) with an open draw to determine the other four in each group. Top four in each group to the quarter finals where team one will play team four from the other group. Likewise team two to play team three from the other group with an open draw to determine the semi-finals. Scoring difference and head to head rules to apply in cases of teams on same points. Bottom team in each group to play off to determine relegation.

Winners

At the Waterford GAA Convention held at the end of year the following were the award winners.

Hurling; Kevin Moran De La Salle

Football; Shane Briggs Ballinacourty.

Underage Hurling; Jamie Barron Fourmilewater.

Underage Football; Aodh O'Ceallaigh An Rinn.

Club of the Year; CLG DunGarbhan

Jack Furlong Award; Paddy Walsh, Colligasn.

Special Merit Award; Tony Forristal Committee

Special Achievement Award; Sliabh gCua GLG.