GAA president backs Londonderry UK City of Culture bid

GAELIC Athletic Association President Christy Cooney says the association is fully supportive of Londonderry's bid for British culture glory.

Speaking at the official launch of Feile na nOg Dhoire 2010, hosted by Mayor of Derry Paul Fleming in the city's Guildhall on Thursday night, Mr Cooney said that GAA wished the city well in its campaign and looked forward to playing a major role in the celebrations in 2013 were the bid to be successful.

"I am delighted to be here in this historic city with its magnificent walls to launch Feile Dhoire 2010.

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"I know that the city is currently bidding to become City of Culture 2013.

"I am confident that the you will be successful in this process and it would undoubtedly create fantastic opportunities for all the local young people who will be taking part in this year's Feile na nOg.

"We as an association will play our part in making sure that the city puts on a tremendous display of Irish Culture in 2013. I wish you well in your endeavours," he said.

The President's comments were made on a gala evening of Irish Culture to celebrate the launch of the Feile na nOg Under 14 festival of football which is taking place in across the county on the weekend of July 2, 3 and 4th with the finals being held in the Celtic Park in Derry City on the Sunday.

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Around 4,000 young footballers from every county in Ireland, the UK and United States will take part in the Feile which is Ireland's biggest participant youth sporting event.

The night featured a showcase of Irish cultural activity with vocal performances from Alison Bradley, Colleen Gormley and the Glen Ballad Group, a demonstration of Sean nos dancing from Fergal and Jo McGuigan, an exhibition by the Glen Ceili dancers and performance by traditional musicians accompanied by Storyteller Nishi McGlinchey.

The audience on the night was also addressed by Pat Quill, President of the Ladies Gaelic Football Association, and John Keenan, Chairman of Derry County Board, and Patsy Mullan, Chairman of the Derry Feile Committee; all of whom stressed the fun aspect of the Feile bonds of friendship that will be formed over the course of the weekend's competition.