The Connacht Council, in association with the five hurling boards in Connacht, have come up with a novel idea to promote underage hurling in the province, by introducing a Connacht Special U-14 Feile Blitz Day, to cater for striving young hurlers within the five counties who do not qualify for the National Feile na nGael championships each year. The idea, which will have a football blitz day also, is the brainchild of John Tobin - Manager of Coaching & Games with the Connacht Council - aided by the Games Promotion Officers for hurling and football within the province.

The inaugural Connacht Feile Hurling Blitz Day, will take place on Saturday 18th June in Dangan Sports Grounds, Galway City commencing at 10am. The format for the event will see three teams from Mayo, Sligo and Roscommon, one team from Leitrim and four teams from the lower divisions of the Galway Leagues take part in a series of 30 ten minute-a-half games, played on the four carpet-like pitches of the NUIG Sports Grounds in Dangan.

The theme of the event is fun and participation, with no finals being played on the day. Instead, the competitors will have a non-competitive environment to develop the skills of hurling, whilst playing against teams of an equal standard from the five counties of Connacht.

Representing Mayo in this historic event will be the Ballyhaunis, Belmullet and Ballina-James Stephen's Hurling Clubs. The three clubs representing Mayo qualified for the event due to their exploits in the Mayo Feile na nGael Qualifier Blitzes last April. It promises to be a great occasion for all hurling clubs involved, with the added bonus that each club participating will receive a pack containing coaching equipment to the value of €1000 each.

The Connacht Special Football Blitz Day will be held in the grounds of McHale Park, Castlebar on Saturday 2nd July.