FAI President

As President of the Football Association of Ireland, it gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to Turners Cross for this weekend of Cup finals and what an historic weekend it is. Like the FAI itself, the Munster Football Association is celebrating its Centenary season and I want to firstly thank all those who have served the Munster FA in any capacity over the last 100 years and assure them that we are grateful for their dedication to Irish football in general and to Munster football in particular.

The volunteers who provide the power behind our game are the people who have made football, in Ireland and in Munster, what it is today. Without the volunteers, the coaches, the match officials and the families and supporters there would be no players and no game. Your contribution is immense and priceless and I know so many of you here this weekend will continue to give your time selflessly to the game of football. For that we are grateful.

To all the clubs and players from Midleton FC, Ennis Town, Fairview Rangers, St Michael’s, Villa FC and Douglas Hall, competing in the various Munster FA Cup finals this weekend, the very best of luck. By getting here alone you have clearly enjoyed successful seasons so well done.

To those hosting the games here at Turners Cross, to all those officiating and to those of you here merely to enjoy the occasion, please do just that. Enjoy it and savour it.

Beir bua agus beannacht! Gerry McAnaney