All Britain Competition success story continues in London

By Cian O'Connell

The All-Britain Competition success story continues.

Earlier this month, a record number of players featured in the tournament that took place at The Hazelwood Centre in Sunbury-on-Thames.

Cormac Duffy, All Britain Competition secretary, was delighted with how the event unfolded in London. "It was a great success this year, it was our biggest year ever," Duffy says.

"We had 4,534 players across the four days, and we had just under 400 teams - 398. Teams travelled from all over Britain so it was a massive success.

"This was our third year in Hazelwood. It's a fantastic facility, it has the space. There isn't too many places that have the space to accommodate the numbers, it's a great venue for it."

Throughout the past couple of decades significant work is being carried out by clubs throughout Britain with the Community Development Administrator (CDA) scheme helping the process. "We'd a record number of teams down from Lancashire, we'd clubs from Yorkshire," Duffy explains.

"JFK from Leeds travelled down, that's probably an eight or nine hour round trip. Bristol Harps from Gloucestershire came over, I think it's a reflection of the work going on by the CDAs and all of the County Boards across Britain.

"The clubs see that the ABCs is an event that's worthwhile travelling down to. That expense and the time it takes to travel to London for the day or weekend is worth their while."

The tournament includes schools and clubs ensuring there is no shortage of action. "It builds the competition nicely," Duffy says.

"We start on the Thursday with secondary schools. It's competitive, but not as intense as the club days. The Friday is probably our longest day, but for me it's the most enjoyable because you've primary schools in the morning.

"Then, we've the club Go Games Football and a bit of hurling at the older age groups going on Friday evening. You've a nice mix on the Friday with the schools coming in and you're introducing the clubs to carry it through for the rest of the weekend."

Duffy acknowledges the valuable assistance provided to ensure the busy tournament runs smoothly. "We value the support the GAA at a national level from Croke Park, the LGFA, the Camogie Association, and Ulster GAA every year also send over referees and staff.

"The support we get from Ulster as a twinning partner and the three Associations really makes the event possible."