Huge crowds expected at Croke Park this Sunday to watch Kilkenny vs. Waterford in the Semi-Final

by admin on August 7th, 2009

Kilkenny are in the running for their 4th successive All-Ireland and ‘Can they wangle another win?’ is the question on everyone’s lips. Kilkenny manager Brian Cody has said that Waterford are gathering momentum with each performance and the ‘revenge factor’ might come into force after last years clash which didn’t go well for Waterford. This will be the tenth championship meeting between the counties in this decade. We’re looking forward to seeing Noel Hickey back in form on the playing field, he is nearing full fitness again after a series of disappointing injuries including a groin injury and damaged knee ligaments.

We wish both teams the very best of lucky, and with Glanbia brands acting as sponsors of both Kilkenny and Waterford, everyone’s a winner!

Also in the news, the oldest surving All-Ireland medal winner just celebrated his 100^th birthday and of course, he is a former Kilkenny Hurler! Martin White won his first of three All-Ireland hurling medals back in 1932 when Kilkenny defeated Clare.

 

Avonmore and Kilkenny Hurling - A great team!

by admin on August 5th, 2009

Avonmore has sponsored the Kilkenny Hurling Team since 1993, initially under the ‘Avonmore Co-Op’ name. In 1997, following the merger of Avonmore and Waterford Foods to form Glanbia, the Avonmore Milk brand has been used for the sponsorship. The Avonmore Milk brand has been involved at a county level for ten years.

Avonmore and Kilkenny have enjoyed unprecedented success winning no less than 6 All-Ireland Senior titles over the past 10 years, becoming the No. 1 hurling team in the country, while Avonmore milk has also become the No. 1 milk brand in Ireland.

The Avonmore Milk sponsorship of Kilkenny Hurlers over the past ten years has been one of the most successful in Irish sport - a glorious decade that includes:

• 9 Leinster titles
• 6 All-Ireland Senior titles
• 4 All-Ireland titles in 2008 - Senior (3 in row), Intermediate, U 21 & Minor

During this period they have produced some of the country’s best hurlers of the modern era including DJ Carey, Henry Shefflin, JJ Delaney and Tommy Walsh.

The Kilkenny 6 senior All-Ireland titles under manager Brian Cody

2000 - Following a defeat in 1999 All-Ireland final to Cork - Kilkenny led by Glenmoore’s Willie O’Connor bounced back to defeat Offaly 5-15 to 1-14

2002 - Kilkenny captained by O’Loughlin Gales Andy Comerford beat Clare 2-20 to 0-19 to regain the Liam McCarthy Cup

2003 - Kilkenny captained by Young Irelands DJ Carey made it back to back titles against arch rivals Cork defeating the Rebels 1-14 to 1-11

2006 - 2008: Kilkenny capture 3 in row

2006 - James Stephens Jackie Tyrell led the Cats to victory over Cork 1-16 to 1-13

2007 - Kilkenny led by Ballyhale Shamrocks “King” Henry Shefflin defeated Limerick 2-19 to 1-15

2008 - James “Cha” Fitzpatrick, Ballyhale Shamrocks led Kilkenny to victory over Waterford to capture Kilkenny’s 3 in a row!!

This makes Kilkenny holders of 31 All-Ireland titles, the most titles held by any county in Ireland.

Avonmore is delighted to be involved with the Kilkenny Hurling Teams as sponsors, particularly following their outstanding 3-in-a-row All-Ireland success in 2006, 2007 and 2008. 2008 was a great year for Kilkenny hurling winning 4 All-Ireland titles - seniors, minors, intermediate and U21’s.

Glanbia sponsorship covers all 4 Kilkenny teams including Senior, Intermediate, U-21 and Minor. In 2008 all four teams captured All-Ireland titles.

As part of the hurlers preparation, diet and nutrition plays a huge part and Avonmore Super Milk plays a key role in their weekly diet. The team equipment manager, Denis (“Rackard”) Cody, ensures Avonmore Super Milk is available for players after every team training sessions. Working with the team nutritionist, Avonmore further fuels the team through the Super Milk brand, the number one fortified milk in the country and rich source of protein, calcium, vitamins A,B,D,E and folic acid all in just one 300ml glass.

Brian Cody “Diet plays a huge part for our hurlers’ performance & Avonmore Super Milk plays a key role in our hurlers’ weekly diet!”

Each year we run competitions in the weeks running up to the All-Ireland Hurling games – you can also enter on line, so keep a close eye on this site to be in with a chance to win!