In schools throughout Munster, boys and girls are eagerly awaiting the advent of the Munster hurling and football Championships for it also heralds the start of the Munster GAA Primary Game series. Championship day in Munster, hurling or football, would not be complete without the exhibition games provided by boys and girls from the competing counties. Two games with eleven players per team, one for boys and one for girls will take place on the day of each Munster Senior Championship clash. Games will be played at half-time during the senior match.

This year’s Munster GAA Primary Game will see almost 400 boys and girls from all the counties of Munster line out in their county colours at Semple Stadium, Cusack Park and other venues throughout the province.

Played at half-time during Munster Championship games, The MunsterPrimary Game give 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 bow in the Primary Game have gone on to greater things: Hurlers Seamus Hickey, Nickie Quaid and Declan Hannon and camogie star Claire Mulcahy are among many Limerick players to have a Primary Game jersey stashed away carefully at home. Kerry midfield duo Anthony Maher and Denis Moran   played in the Primary Game when they were in Sixth Class.

Tipperary star Noel McGrath first wore the blue and gold of the Premier County in the Primary Game while Cork hurler Alan Cadogan has fond memories of his Primary Game experience.

“The emphasis in The Munster GAA Primary Game is on participation, enjoyment and developing skill,” says Jerry O Sullivan, Chairman of the Munster Council.

Joe Lyons, Chairman of Munster Cumann na mBunscol emphasised the importance of the games: “This year’s Munster GAA Primary Game promises to be very exciting for all the children. The Primary Game jersey is the most sought-after jersey in schools today. To play in your county colours on the big day on the same pitch as your heroes is a dream come true for any child.'

The launch of the 2017 Primary Go Games took place at Aras Mumhan, Castletroy on Tuesday May 9th and was attended by intercounty players James Ryan (Limerick), Sean Finn (Limerick,) Aisling McCarthy (Tipperary), Rebecca Delee (Limerick) and Laurie Ryan (Clare) as well as officers of Comhairle na Mumhan and Cumann na mBunscol.