Legendary Irish goalkeeper, Packie Bonner, launched the 2014 Macron Galway Cup at a special ceremony at NUI Galway this week. The tournament will feature teams from six countries and the cream of Ireland's young talent.

Speaking at the launch, Salthill Devon Chairman Oliver Daniels welcomed the Deputy Mayor of Galway John Walsh and other distinguished guest, including John Fallon of Macron the tournament sponsors and the special guest Packie Bonner. He pointed out just how important the event is to the Galway region in particular, providing approximately ten thousand bed nights, worth an estimated €2 million to the city. "We are particularly grateful to NUIG where the vast majority of the players  will stay, at the Corrib Village, throughout the tournament.

Packie Bonner has been a staunch supporter of the tournament since its inception and he thanked Salthill Devon for inviting him back to Galway: "I am always delighted to get back to Galway. I have attend the Macron Cup as a both a spectator and as FAI Technical director and for me the players make it happen. I have spoken to people around the world who have played in and seen the tournament and the have nothing but the highest praise for the high standards at the event - hopefully this year will be no expectation.”

The centre piece of the tournament is the Elite section for boys born in 1999. Squads from five countries, including the Irish National squad, Ipswich Town, Scunthorpe United, Chivas Guadalajara, Mexico, DC United, from the United Sates and Maccabi Haifa from Israel.

According to Tournament Director, Denis Burke: "Over the years this Elite section has proved to be very competitive and  the standard of play has been consistently high. This is our second year with Macron as our main sponsor - last year was a particularly successful event and we are looking forward to long and fruitful relationship with John Fallon and his team at Macron."

He continued: "Additionally we have other important supporters in Fáilte Ireland, Galway City Council, Smyth's Toys, The Ardilaun Hotel, Finches soft drinks and Supermacs and their contribution allows us to stage a quality international event.”

Salthill Devon have built this tournament, year on year, into the premier event of its type in Ireland. They have done this by engaging with 'like minded' partners in the community. Galway benefits significantly from the tournament as up to 1,100 players, officials and their families converge on the city for the tournament.  

A video from the launch can be viewed here.