The campaign by Elvery’s staff in support of a management buy-out that they say will secure almost 700 jobs has gained real traction since we first wrote about it last week.
The social hashtag #SOSelverys700 has pulled in support from stars like David Gillick, Luke Fitzgerald and Shane Long, as well as media celebrities into their sport like Bressie from the Voice of Ireland.
The campaign has trended several times on twitter and pulled in over 10,000 fans on Facebook, as well as being raised by politicians from all sides of the Dáil and being debated in the chamber during this week.
Among the rival bidders are believed to be a joint bid from Sports Direct and Lifestyle Sports, both of whom have an existing presence in the Irish market, raising the prospect of consolidation and store closures.
The matter was raised at Mayo County Council’s meeting last Monday. 200 of the existing jobs are in the county where Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Minister of State for sport Michael Ring are among the elected TD’s.
The examiner is believed to be close to deciding on a preferred bidder which will lead to the repayment of as much as €23 million in loans built up through expansion and now owed to NAMA.
Elvery’s is the official retail partner of both the IRFU and the GAA and operates the retail stores at Croke Park and the Aviva Stadium. It is also the long time sponsor of Mayo GAA, and an official partner of the Flora Women’s mini marathon. The company sponsored RTE Sport’s coverage of the Guinness Autumn Series last year and has been involved in sports coaching and GPA summer camp initiatives.
