A parade to open Féile na nGael, an under-14 national festival of hurling, camogie and handball, took place through the streets of Dublin yesterday evening. Players and mentors walked behind banners from Croke Park to O’Connell Street, with Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh providing commentary.
Dublin is playing host to this year’s Féile, which is in its 42nd year, with the first games taking place yesterday afternoon.
Up to 3,000 boys and girls are competing in events throughout Dublin, with winners playing in Croke Park tomorrow.
Féile na nGael spokeswoman Sinéad Ryan said a huge attraction this year was the Croke Park element. “Not many kids under 14 get to play Croke Park,” she said.
The handball competitions are taking place at Citywest Hotel, in what Ms Ryan said would be a warm-up for when the venue hosts the World Handball Championships this year.
Dublin GAA clubs are holding a variety of events for their host teams throughout the weekend, and the festival can be followed live online on Twitter at @FeileDublin2012.