Launch of the 2026 Munster GAA Primary Game

The Primary Game is thirty years old and going from strength!

Since the concept was introduced in 1996, thousands of boys and girls from all six counties in the province have enjoyed the thrill of wearing their county jersey and playing in hallowed venues such as Supervalu Páirc Uí Chaoimh, TUS Páirc na nGael and FBD Semple Stadium.

In schools throughout Munster, boys and girls are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Munster hurling and football Championships for it also heralds the start of the Munster GAA Primary Game. Championship days in Munster, hurling or football, would not be complete without the exhibition games provided by boys and girls from the competing counties. Games will be played at half-time during each senior match in the Munster Championship.

This year’s Primary Game will see almost 500 boys and girls from all six counties of Munster line out in their county colours on the biggest days in the GAA calendar in the province.

Played at half-time during Munster Championship games, The Munster GAA Primary Game gives sports-mad boys and girls the opportunity to wear their county jersey on Big Match Day, sharing the spotlight with their heroes on their “Field of Dreams” in front of huge crowds of ardent supporters.

Many children who made their inter-county bow in the Primary Game have gone on to greater things: Hurlers Nickie Quaid, Barry Nash, Dan Morrissey and camogie stars Rebecca Delee, Caoimhe Costelloe and Orlaith Kelliher are among many Limerick players to have a Primary Game jersey stashed away carefully at home.

All Star Kerry footballer Tadhg Morley made his inter-county bow in the Primary Game as did David Clifford, Killian Spillane and other members of Jack O’Connor’s squad.

Tipperary star Noel McGrath first wore the blue and gold of the Premier County in the Primary Game as did Willie Connors and Ronan Maher. Republic of Ireland international footballer David Meyler has spoken of the thrill of wearing the Cork jersey as part of the Primary Game team as has Jamie Wall, now a successful coach and pundit.

Legendary dual stars Rena Buckley and Briege Corkery first donned the Cork jersey in the Primary Game almost thirty years ago.

“The emphasis in the Primary Game is on participation, enjoyment and making new friends,” says Tim Murphy, Chairman of the Munster Council.

Niamh O’Dea, Leas Cathaoirleach of Munster Cumann na mBunscol, emphasised the importance of the games: “This year’s Munster GAA Primary Game promise to be very exciting for all the children who will wear the coveted Primary Game jersey. Activities such as these are the lifeblood of our games.”

The launch of the 2026 Munster GAA Primary Game took place at Áras Mumhan, Limerick on March 9th. Inter-county players in attendance included All-Ireland winning Kerry footballer Aoife Dillane, Limerick hurler Matthew Fitzgerald, Clare footballer Evan Cahill, Waterford camogie players Eimear O’Neill and Alannah O’Sullivan, Cork footballer Lydia McDonagh, Limerick footballer Caoimhe McNamara, Limerick camogie player Lizanna Boylan.