Aer Lingus Regional is to fly the London GAA team and management to Knock the weekend after next for their first ever appearance in a Connacht Senior Football Final.
The airline was previously a big player in carrying teams including Liverpool and Arsenal to European matches but that market is now dominated by carriers who have official airline partner status with the big teams. Aeroflot last week took over that position with Man United from Turkish Airlines.
Aer Lingus Regional, which is operated by Aer Arann in conjunction with London Southend Airport, is to fly the London GAA team on a special chartered flight into Ireland West Airport Knock on Saturday, 20 July in advance of the team’s historic first ever Connacht Senior Football final against Mayo on Sunday, 21 July.
London have overcome Sligo and Leitrim to get this far and had to bear the additional cost of a replay against Leitrim in the semi final though it is believed assistance was provided from the central GAA to cover those costs of travel.
The victory over Sligo was the first in the Championship since 1977 and they will now face a major challenge in Mayo, considered one of the favourites to go all the way to All Ireland glory this year.
The Final will take place in Elverys McHale Park, Castlebar, and the unique nature of London’s odyssey is highlighted by the fact that the panel draws on players who would be eligible to play with no fewer than 20 counties were they to have remained in their original home towns.
“The GAA has always been pivotal in linking Irish communities around the world,” said Sean Brogan, Aer Arran CEO announcing the charter flight.
“This is particularly true in London where many of our best footballers are based and playing with London GAA. At Aer Lingus Regional, with our scheduled flights from the UK and France, we too play a small part bringing families and friends together”.
Aer Lingus regional operates three flights daily from London Southend Airport.
The round trip cost of the charter would probably be in the region of €3,000 so it is a not insubstantial gesture from Aer Lingus as it is a cost that would otherwise have been borne by the county board or the players.
Aer Lingus has an increasing involvement with the GAA and will sponsor an international hurling festival in Galway in September.
Sports Tourism Seminar at Croke Park (September 19th)
Sport for Business 20/20 at Ulster Bank HQ (October 8th)
The Business of Youth Sport Seminar (November 28th)
Aer Lingus On Board for London GAA
