The first two-year cycle of the Halifax GPA Hurling Twinning Programme has been concluded successfully for 2009 after the programme was expanded for year two.

The Halifax Twinning initiative, launched in 2008, is designed to help promote the game in the non-traditional counties by pairing the top hurling sides with squads from the Nicky Rackard and Lory Meagher Cup competitions.

Following the successful inaugural Twinning Programme in 2008, this year saw 15 visits take place between various squads.

All-Ireland finalists Lar Corbett, Shane McGrath, Benny Dunne and Brendan Cummins led the way this year, with the Tipp stars overseeing two sessions with the Monaghan hurling squad in Cloghane.

While Decies star John Mullane travelled to Breffni Park to visit the Cavan hurlers the same squad also visited Cork for a training weekend.

Louth hurlers also pulled out all the stops with the entire panel travelling to their 'twinned' counterparts Clare for a training and bonding weekend with the assistance of Banner star Tony Griffin.

Visits also took place between Wexford and Longford, Galway and South Down, Limerick and Lory Meagher Cup winners Tyrone, Cork and Fermanagh, Sligo and Offaly while Dublin hurlers David O'Callaghan, David Curtin and Alan Nolan travelled to Páirc na hÉireann in Birmingham to oversee a session with the Warwickshire squad.

Aimed at fostering ambition and encouraging participation in hurling, the growth of the Halifax GPA Hurling Twinning Programme during the second year of the scheme indicates the popularity of the concept and is reflected in its continued expansion next season when new partnerships will be formed between counties.

Speaking about this year's Halifax GPA Hurling Twinning Programme, GPA Chief Executive Dessie Farrell said, "We are absolutely thrilled with interest shown by players in this scheme. We know how passionate hurling people are about their sport and this is reflected in the willingness and enthusiasm of players to travel for squad sessions and share their knowledge of the game.

"Our sincere thanks to Halifax for their solid support for the Twinning Programme. The GPA is committed to promotion of our games and the Twinning Scheme has become a central part of that commitment. We look forward to an expanded series of events next year."

Karl Manning, Director of Retail Sales at Halifax, said, "Halifax is very proud to be leading the support for what is a very unique and, crucially, workable initiative.  The Hurling Twinning Programme has been very fruitful and it is hugely important for Halifax to be working with the grassroots of our national games in such a productive and successful way."

What players said about the Halifax Twinning Programme . . .

Wexford star Diarmuid Lyng

"We really enjoyed the experience of meeting up with the Longford hurlers this year and it was a privilege to be able to help any way we could. The Twinning Programme is a wonderful way for hurlers to meet and to share their passion for the game."

Tipperary midfielder Shane McGrath

"We've been twinned with Monaghan for two seasons and it has been a great experience travelling up to Cloghan to meet up with Arthur Hughes and the squad. We've tried to share our own experiences of the game and help nurture their ambition as a team. I'm sure the Twinning programme will become a regular event over the coming years and is a really good way to promote hurling up north."

Monaghan hurler Arthur Hughes

"We were delighted with the support we got from the Tipperary players this season. It was hugely beneficial to us and a great boost for hurling in the county to have men like Lar Corbett and Brendan Cummins put us through our paces. Thanks to all the players for travelling and to Halifax and the GPA for supporting such a worthwhile initiative."

Clare's Tony Griffin

"It is vital for the game of hurling that it is promoted in counties like Louth who Clare have been paired with. We had the whole Louth squad down in Ennis for a training weekend earlier this year and despite the dreadful weather, the event was a great success. Thanks to Halifax and the GPA for supporting this initiative which I've no doubt has a bright future."

Waterford ace John Mullane

"We've kept in touch with the Cavan hurlers for the last two years and it was great to lend some support to their squad. Twinning is about helping to promote hurling in a practical way and in Waterford we're delighted to be involved."

Cork goalkeeper Dónal Óg Cusack

"The Cork hurlers were delighted to be able to lend assistance to the Fermanagh squad in their preparations over the past two seasons. Hurling people share a common bond and we must continue to help promote the game in counties like Fermanagh and support initiatives such as the Twinning which aim to do that."

Limerick stalwart Ollie Moran

"The passion for hurling in the non-traditional counties is something that needs to be respected and nurtured. We in Limerick were delighted to be able to help Tyrone over the past two seasons and it was wonderful to see the squad go on to win the Lory Meagher Cup. It's great to be able to help the development and promotion of the game in the non-traditional counties and the Halilfax scheme gives players that opportunity."