Birr festival to commemorate first All-Ireland hurling final

Some of Ireland's most popular GAA players, including Offaly's Michael Duignan and Brian Whelahan, have joined together to launch the "Festival of Finals" that will commemorate the very first All-Ireland hurling championship final held in Birr back in 1887. The "Festival of Finals" will take place from July 27 until July 29 in Birr and will incorporate a series of events to mark the 125th anniversary milestone for the All-Ireland hurling championships. One of the events scheduled to take place is a true to life re-enactment of the 1887 championship final, with 2012 players including Daithi Regan, Michael Duignan and Brian Whelahan. The event will also include a blitz by club teams from around Ireland, with matches taking place in Birr, Crinkle, Drumcullen and Carrig. The festival will culminate with a parade through Birr on Sunday, July 29 and the presentation of a perpetual Offaly bog oak trophy to blitz winners. Speaking at the official launch Brian Whelahan said he's excited about the upcoming festival, particularly because it's taking place in Birr. "The Festival of Finals embraces the proud history of the GAA by bringing together clubs from all over Ireland," he said. "It's very appropriate that this unique event takes place in Birr, home of the first All-Ireland hurling final and also the first club hurling final." President of Birr Chamber of Commerce Martin Kearns also welcomed the event. "Birr's place at the very beginning of the hurling story in Ireland is a great source of pride to hurling people locally," he said. "We're thrilled to be commemorating that with this unique festival." More details on the "Festival of Finals" is available by logging on to www.facebook.com/festivaloffinals or by contacting Peter Loughnane at the Country Arms Hotel on 057 9120791 or peter@countyarmshotel.com.