Launch of 2019 Fota Island Resort FAI Gaynor Tournament
The make-up of the groups for the tournament was decided in a draw which took place in Limerick City and County Council offices.
Chairperson of the FAI Women's Football Committee Niamh O’Donoghue oversaw the draw which was conducted by FAI Vice-President Noel Fitzroy, Mick Hanley and Fergal Harte from tournament lead sponsor, Fota Island Resort.
The event also saw the official launch of this year’s tournament, which will take place over two weekends in June in the University of Limerick.
Under-13 teams will take to the pitches on the weekend of June 1, 2 and 3, while the Under-15s will play from June 27 to June 30 for their respective ages’ Cups.
The two weekends will also see U13 and U15 clubs compete for the tournament’s Trophies.
Speaking at the launch, Niamh O’Donoghue talked of the importance of the role of the tournament in the development of female football players.
She said: “I am very proud to be involved in the official launch and draw for the 2019 Fota Island Resort FAI Gaynor Tournament. It is a tournament with a proud tradition and we are all very much looking forward to this year’s competition at the University of Limerick – which is a fantastic venue – in June.
“The tournament has been on the go now, in one form or another, for 20 years. And in that time, it has gone from strength to strength. I would like to thank Fota Island Resort for their continued support for the competition, which enables us to develop the tournament even further each year.”
Fergal Harte, from the Fota Collection reiterated the Fota Island Resort’s keen support for the tournament.
He said: “We’re absolutely delighted to sponsor the Gaynor Tournament again this year. It’s a pleasure for us to be back involved in the tournament for our third year running. During that time, we’ve had the privilege of witnessing the progression and growth not only of the tournament, but of Irish women’s football in general.
“We jumped at the opportunity to first associate ourselves with a prestigious competition that we see as being integral to the development of women’s football in Ireland and we’ve never had cause to regret that decision since. We’re proud to have been welcomed into the football family and to be part of the grassroots of women’s football.”
2019 Fota Island Resort FAI Gaynor Tournament Draw
U13 Tournament
Group 1
MGL South
Midlands
Limerick County
Waterford
Group 2
MGL North
Cork or South Tipperary
Wexford
Mayo
Group 3
Sligo/Leitrim
Galway
Inishowen
North Tipperary
Group 4
Cork or South Tipperary
Donegal
Limerick Desmond
Kildare
U13 Trophy
Longford
NECSL
Clare
Kerry
U15 Tournament
Group 1
Cork
NECSL
Carlow
Inishowen
Group 2
MGL North
MGL South
Limerick Desmond
Wexford
Group 3
Sligo/Leitrim
South Tipperary
Donegal
Waterford
Group 4
Galway
Mayo
Kilkenny
North Tipperary
U15 Trophy
Mid Western
Midlands
Kildare
Limerick County
Clare
Kerry