Crossmaglen Rangers dominance in the AIB Club Championships was recognised at the official launch of the 2007/2008 AIB Club Championships at Belfast Castle.

The Championships were officially launched by Uachtaran Cumann Luthchleas Gael, Nickey Brennan, and Billy Finn of AIB.

Speaking at the launch, Billy Finn said, "In the past we have travelled to London, Cork and Galway to launch the Club Championships and that has always proved to be successful. Given the strong tradition of Gaelic Games in Ulster, it would be remiss of us not to travel north, so what betterplace to launch this year's Championships than in Belfast."

"Today we acknowledge Crossmaglen Rangers' success in winning the All-Ireland Football title four times in the last ten years. Not only do Crossmaglen enjoy an excellent record in the Club Championships, but they have won the Armagh title twelve times in a row. Such outstanding achievements cannot go unrecognised." said Mr Finn.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge clubs like Dunloy and Loughgiel, who have made a huge contribution to hurling in Antrim and Ulster, but
congratulations must go to Dunloy following their success over Loughgiel in last Sunday's Antrim hurling final," continued Mr. Finn.

Since the mid 1990s, Crossmaglen Rangers have dominated the Club Championships. In 1996/7 they recorded their first All-Ireland victory under captain, Jim McConville. The club went on to repeat that feat in 1998/9 when captained by John McEntee. They added to their silverware the following year in 1999/2000 when Anthony Cunningham guided the club to their third All-Ireland title. Only two other clubs have managed to win back-to-back football titles, namely UCD in 1974 and 1975, and St Finbarr's from Cork in 1980 and 1981.

Crossmaglen's fourth and most recent victory was in 2007, when they beat Dr. Crokes of Killarney. The teams drew in Croke Park on St. Patrick's Day but a week later in Portlaoise, Crossmaglen were not to be denied, and proud captain, Oisin McConville, brought the Andy Merrigan Cup back to Armagh.

Present at the launch in Belfast Castle was one of the four Crossmaglen winning captains, Oisin McConville. He was accompanied by some senior club players, including Aaron Kernan. Club Secretary, Gerard Rushe, Club PRO Tom McKay, Assistant Secretary, Margaret McConville and Team Manager, Donal Murtagh, were also present at the launch.

2007 Double All-Ireland winner, 'Cha' Fitzpatrick from Kilkenny, also attended the launch to represent his club, Ballyhale, who enjoyed great success in the Club Hurling final last March, when they beat Galway side,Loughrea.

Nickey Brennan, President of the GAA said, "The AIB club championships continue to grow in popularity every year and are now an integral part of the GAA calendar. Some of the great names of the Inter-County scene first came to attention through their participation in the provincial or All Ireland club championships. The Club Championships are all about community and family and have a very special resonance for the players involved. Indeed, since their inception in the 1970's they have captured the public imagination in a way few would have thought possible."

One cup ... four winning captains