2026 MARKS the 30th anniversary of the introduction of The Primary Game, an annual initiative whereby young children from across the province represent their counties at half-time in Munster Senior Championship fixtures, such as in camogie at Páirc Uí Chaoimh this Sunday (2.4pm).
Five-time All-Ireland Senior medal winners Nickie Quaid, Barry Nash, and Dan Morrissey were among hundreds to have made their inter-county bow on these occasions.
This year’s Primary Game will involve around 500 children.
“The emphasis in the Primary Game is on participation, enjoyment, and making new friends,” said Tim Murphy, hairman of Munster GAA.
Niamh O’Dea (St Paul’s NS, Dooradoyle), Leas Cathaoirleach of Munster Cumann na mBunscol, emphasised the importance of the games.
“This year’s Munster GAA Primary Game promise to be very exciting for all the children who will wear the coveted Primary Game jersey. Activities such as these are the lifeblood of our games,” she said.
The launch of the 2026 Munster GAA Primary Game took place at Áras Mumhan, Newcastle, Castletroy.
Inter-county players in attendance included Limerick trio Matthew Fitzgerald, Caoimhe McNamara and Lizanna Boylan, along with Aoife Dillane (Kerry), Evan Cahill (Clare), Eimear O’Neill (Waterford), Alannah O’Sullivan (Waterford) and Lydia McDonagh (Cork).
Limerick (v Cork): Libby O’Donnell (Ballyagran), Saoirse Leahy (Ballylanders), Sadhbh Mulcahy (Herberststwown), Sarah Bulfin (Scoil Dean Cussen, Bruff), Alleigh O’Callaghan (Effin), Moya Dwyer (Knocklong), Elana Flannery (Killinure), Arwin Hurley (Lisnagry), Freya Jane Collins (Crecora), Kate Coughlan (Scoil an Spioraid Naoimh, Roxborough), Emila Logan (Caherline).