Cork Development Squads in Action This Weekend

New three-year partnership will support the development of young players across Cork from 2026 to 2028

 

Cork Education and Training Board (Cork ETB) is delighted to announce a new multi-year sponsorship agreement with Cork GAA and Rebel Óg, strengthening the organisation’s long-standing relationship with Gaelic Games throughout Cork and further supporting the development of young athletes across the county.

The partnership will see Cork ETB become title sponsor of the Rebel Óg Minor and Cork GAA U21 Club Hurling and Football Championships from 2026 to 2028, encompassing 222 teams competing across a wide range of competitions.

The sponsorship reflects Cork ETB’s commitment to empowering learners, supporting communities and promoting participation, inclusion and excellence both within and beyond the classroom.

Speaking at the announcement, Cllr. Gillian Coughlan, Chair of Cork ETB said:

“Gaelic Games are woven into the fabric of communities across Cork and play a hugely important role in the lives of many of our learners, staff and families. Through this partnership with Cork GAA and Rebel Óg, we are proud to support the continued development of young people, both on and off the field.

Across our post-primary schools, we have a strong tradition of participation and success in Gaelic Games. Every day, our students benefit from the values that sport instils – teamwork, leadership, dedication, resilience and community spirit. These are values that align closely with Cork ETB’s mission and vision for education and lifelong learning.”

Chief Executive of Cork ETB Denis Leamy added:

“This partnership represents a significant investment in the young people and communities of Cork. Cork ETB is proud to support Rebel Óg’s flagship competitions, which provide important opportunities for young players to develop their talents, build confidence and strengthen their connection to their clubs, schools and communities. We look forward to working closely with Cork GAA and Rebel Óg over the coming years to promote participation, learning and achievement across the county.”

Cork ETB schools have long been recognised as strong supporters of Gaelic Games, with students, teachers and school communities actively involved in hurling, Gaelic football, ladies football & camógie at school, club and county level. The new partnership extends those connections beyond the school gates, supporting athletes and clubs in communities throughout Cork.

The Rebel Óg minor & Cork GAA U-21 championships provide vital opportunities for young players to develop their sporting skills, build confidence and represent their clubs and communities with pride. Through this sponsorship, Cork ETB will help ensure these pathways continue to flourish for future generations.

Chairman of the Cork County Board Pat Horgan said:

“We are delighted to have formed this multiyear partnership with Cork ETB who are the perfect sponsor for our U-21 and Minor competitions in hurling and football. Their educational sites across the county are a hotbed for rising talent in both codes and we are confident that this partnership will reinforce the connection of their students and stakeholders with all things GAA in Cork”.

Chairman of Rebel Óg Peter Watson continued:

“This is a fantastic boost to the continued development of underage GAA in Cork. Having Cork ETB as the headline sponsor of our flagship U-21 and Minor championship competitions in both codes aligns perfectly with Cork ETB’s values of educating and developing the young people of Cork and we are fully confident that their sponsorship of our competitions will only help to deliver greater awareness of their commitment to these objectives to their target audience and their families”.

The partnership will also create opportunities for collaboration in promoting education, training and lifelong learning opportunities throughout Cork, while showcasing the positive impact that sport and education can have when working together.

All three organisations are deeply embedded in communities across the county. Cork ETB, Cork GAA and Rebel Óg look forward to building a strong and lasting partnership that will benefit learners, players, clubs and communities for years to come.