The launch of the All-Ireland hurling sevens tournament took place at Croke Park yesterday afternoon.

It is the 31st year of the competition and Dublin GAA club Kilmacud Crokes will again be the venue on the Saturday, September 13th, the day before the All-Ireland hurling final.

"It is a wonderful start to the whole national hurling weekend bringing great clubs and great players together to compete for what is now regarded as the definitive national hurling sevens competition," says Tom McIntyre, hurling section chairman.

Despite being more renowned for its allegiance to rugby, nearby Blackrock College will be one of four host grounds for the preliminary stages.

"In an area where rugby and soccer are so strong it is wonderful for everyone to have the opportunity to see the best hurling talent in the country compete for an All-Ireland title at first hand."

Notable hurlers on display will be Fergal Healy and Ollie Canning from Galway, the McGrath Brothers - Ken and Eoin - from Waterford and Brian O'Meara from Tipperary.

Clubs such as James Stephens, St Martin's and Dicksboro from Kilkenny and Ballincollig, Killeagh, Middleton and Sarsfields from Cork will ensure the standard of competition will be very high indeed.

Tipperary hurler Eoin Kelly, from last year's champions Mullinahone, was present at the launch as was Kilkenny players Eddie Brennan and Martin Comerford who, obviously, will not be playing this year.

"Fortunately, we have appointment the following day so we will have to wait for another year," said Brennan.

Meanwhile, GAA president Seán Kelly has condemned the alleged death threat made to Kildare referee Michael Monahan just before the end of last Sunday's All-Ireland football semi-final between Armagh and Donegal.

"We're still not fully up to speed with what exactly happened, but, obviously, I would have to condemn it if it turns out to be something that did occur.

"It's diabolical to think that something like this could happen anywhere let alone in a civilised society."