Ballyboden St. Enda

The 2010 GAA Hurling Championship was officially launched by Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Criostóir Ó Cuana at Ballyboden St Enda's in Dublin today.

Players from all four provinces, including 2009 All-Ireland winners and five in a row chasers Kilkenny, were in attendance at the Dublin club to mark the occasion.

Following on from last week's GAA Football Championship launch event in Kerins O'Rahillys in Tralee this was the second such event to be held by the Association at one of its Club units.

The GAA President was joined by Brian Hogan (Kilkenny), Shane McNaughton (Antrim), Stephen Hiney (Dublin), David Collins (Galway) and Conor O'Mahony (Tipperary).

Speaking at the event the GAA President said: "It's that time of the year when the long wait for championship action comes to an end and expectation levels come into sharp focus.

"It's great to be back in another of our excellent Clubs to mark the occasion of the official launch of our 2010 GAA Hurling Championship. Today we are joined by some of the finest hurlers in the game, players who we are confident will illuminate not only the championship but the Irish summer far beyond the confines of their own Counties and Provinces.

"I would especially like to thank Ballyboden St Enda's for hosting this event and acknowledge the excellent work that they do promoting our games and activities.

"Their record on the hurling front speaks for itself and while Kilkenny will look to capture their fifth consecutive Liam MacCarthy title this year, Ballyboden St Enda's have their sights set on a four in row of Dublin championship wins. This level of success is of course augmented by excellent work at underage level in addition to the development of superb facilities.

"Finally I would like to acknowledge the role of our championship partners Centra, Etihad Airways and Guinness and thank them for their respective roles in promoting our championship. We look forward to your continued support and to working with you over the course of what should be another memorable summer campaign."