St Paul's minor football tournament warming up for another winter classic

THE fonaCAB St Paul's Ulster Minor Football tournament 2023 has been officially launched with the cream of Ulster ready to descend on west Belfast in December.

Entering his 41st year (4oth competition due to COVID), the action will get under way on December 9 and the showpiece decider played on its traditional date of January 1 2024.

Supported by Belfast City Council, the names of most minor champions will be known towards the end of this month.

This year’s tournament will run at the current minor age grade of U17 for the second time.

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The St Paul's club paid thanks to their colleagues in the Ulster Colleges and Ulster GAA for their "continued support in facilitating this year's tournament which is still in hybrid form with some counties playing at either U17 or U18."

Seven of the Ulster counties made a decision to stay at U17 for their minor competition in 2023 hence why the tournament is being played at U17.

For the other two counties, their minor champions will be invited to participate in 2023, however only eligible U17 players may take part.

Following unprecedented demand, the organising committee decided to stream last year's final 'live' on Facebook – a first for the tournament and with an audience of more than 22,000 with viewers tuning in from the United States, Australia, India, Malaysia, the UK and Ireland for the Four Masters versus Dungiven final, which was won by the Derry champions.

Caroline McLaughlin, CLG Naomh Pól Chairperson said: “CLG Naomh Pól is delighted to welcome back the fonaCAB Ulster Minor Football 2023.

"This tournament is held in the highest regard by Gaels across Ulster and Ireland and it is great to see the buzz about CLG Naomh Pól, participating clubs and communities across the province since we have be given the approval."

William McCausland, CEO, fonaCAB, said: "fonaCAB is delighted to be involved with the fantastic Ulster Minor Football Tournament and wish CLG Naomh Pól and all participating clubs the best of luck throughout the Christmas and New Year period."

The St Paul's tournament began in 1982 and the Jimmy McConville Cup has been presented since 1983.

A number of clubs have won multiple titles, however, the most famous in recent times was an unprecedented four-in-a-row for Watty Graham's Glen (2011-2014).