Official launch of Feile

Among the invited guests will be President of the GAA, Christy Cooney, and Pat Quill, President of the National Ladies GAA, Michael McGoldrick, National Chairman of File and Derry County Board Chairman John Keenan.

In the lead in to the launch night, the two Presidents will take in three days of visits to primary school children in several venues throughout the county, and on Thursday our primary seven footballers, will get the opportunity to showcase their talents at a football festival in Owenbeg.

Speaking prior to a busy week of events, Chairman of the Derry Feile organising committee Patsy Mullan remarked, "We are delighted to be hosting File Peil na nOg in our county for the first time, and this week gives us the opportunity to spread the message that File is coming and it is a huge celebration of the contribution of our youth and is a festival we hope everyone will join in".

Preparations are continuing throughout the county, including Derry City where the parade will take place on the Friday night, and " it is great to see the anticipation sweeping across the city and throughout all the clubs", said Patsy.

It is estimated the event will draw approx 5,000 participants (teams/mentors and bands) to the parade which leaves Celtic Park on Friday July 2nd at 7pm and makes its way to Guildhall Square.

An estimated crowd of 12,000 will be in the city for the parade which will benefit the local economy by several million pounds.

"Everyone is invited to attend and enjoy the parade and sporting events which will take place over the weekend".