Dublin ladies footballer Leah Caffrey pictured with young O'Tooles GAA footballer Lily Dunne at the launch of John West Féile – 2026, marking 11 years sponsorship by the company of the competition at Croke Park today. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
John West, proud sponsors of the GAA’s under-15 annual Féile Peile na nÓg (Gaelic football) and Féile na nGael (camogie and hurling) competitions today (Thursday) launched John West Féile 2026 with a strong nutrition message.
This year will mark the eleventh of John West’s sponsorship of Féile.
The competition has grown remarkably in that time to become one of the biggest underage sporting events in Europe – and the sponsorship has seen John West stress the importance of a healthy, balanced diet among not only players, but also the wider GAA community.
The importance of healthy meal options was also stressed by John West Féile 2026 Ambassadors, Féile veterans and inter-county stars: Dublin’s Leah Caffrey (LGFA), Galway All-Ireland camogie winning captain Carrie Dolan, Tipperary hurler Darragh McCarthy and Derry footballer Shane McGuigan.
The company has reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to the GAA’s national under-15 Gaelic games celebration, across camogie, Gaelic football, hurling and LGFA, as well as rounders and handball, until 2028.
In 2025, over 400 club sides, comprising 9,000 players, competed in the finals alone, across numerous venues nationwide, following qualification at county level.
The John West Féile finals have drawn teams from all over the world, including the Americas, Australasia, mainland Europe and Britain, where the competition is credited with helping fuel interest in Gaelic games amongst children from non-Irish backgrounds.
According to John West Ireland Head of Marketing, Anne-Claire Monde, the company is investing in the promotion of nutrition and resilience among juveniles.
“Every year, thousands of young players are brought together annually in celebration of the GAA’s community ethos through underage competition,” she said.
“John West consistently seeks to inform people of the benefits of everyday nutrition for all in support of a healthy lifestyle.
“Throughout its sponsorship of Féile, John West has focused on the importance of natural, tasty nutrition in fuelling families, whilst encouraging teenagers to actively participate in Gaelic games.
“As a trusted, high quality, heritage, but innovative, health and nutrition brand, our convenient and sustainable products are a natural fit for families involved with the GAA.
“And as John West Féile is, for many players, their first time to compete in a national competition, the GAA has always worked to ensure a positive experience for players, parents and coaches, who make an incredible contribution to ensure it is so special.”
According to Uachtarán CLG, Jarlath Burns, fun and friendship, along with the invaluable input of volunteers, must never be taken for granted by the GAA.
“John West Féile has nurtured a wonderful enthusiasm for our games and has been the making of many friendships and memories,” he said.
“Generations have experienced the joy of being a part of Féile na nGael and Féile Peile na nÓg, as well as the rounders and handball competitions, and I warmly thank John West for its sponsorship.
“John West Féile provides young players with lifelong memories.”
Top-tier sides compete in what are known as the national finals, which this year take place in Carlow and Laois on Saturday, June 20 (Féile na nGael) and Derry on Saturday, June 27 (Féile Peile na nÓg)
Teams at other grades will take part in regional finals at venues throughout the country over the same two Saturdays.
Féile na nGael county competitions are scheduled for the month of April, with Féile Peile na nÓg county competitions taking place in May.
Féile na nGael has been in existence since 1971, while Féile Peile na nÓg will mark 44 years this year.
Ladies Gaelic Football Association President, Trina Murray, highlighted John West Féile’s emphasis on fun, friendship, and participation.
“Players will make new friends and re-connect with old friends. John West Féile will once again provide young players with experiences they will never forget.”
According to Uachtarán an Chumainn Camógaíochta, Brian Molloy, John West Féile is one of the most special events in the camogie calendar, giving young players the chance to represent their clubs and communities on a national stage, while creating friendships and memories which will last a lifetime.
"I warmly thank John West for their continued commitment to Féile - a competition our players will remember for the rest of their lives. The very best of luck to all players. Go n-éirí go geal libh agus bainigí taitneamh as!"
