Allianz and the GAA hosted the first major sponsorship launch of the new decade yesterday at Croke Park.
While the focus among the players in attendance from Kerry, Mayo, Cork and Roscommon was very much on the future there was a strong rhyme with the past as this will be the 28th year of the partnership, making it one of the longest in Irish sport.
“It is very much a partnership as opposed to just a sponsorship,” said GAA President John Horan looking forward to the new season.”
“The return of the Allianz Leagues is a welcome moment each year for supporters nationwide.”
This year’s football competition will certainly get pulses racing as Kerry and Dublin go toe to toe with Dublin at Croke Park on Saturday night, January 25th in a rematch of last year’s epic and historic All Ireland Football Final.
“Over the past 28 years, Allianz have been proud to support this wonderful competition,” said CEO Sean McGrath.
“The 2019 Allianz Football league enthralled fans all the way to the end, with Kerry and Mayo playing out a Final for the ages. We are very excited to see what 2020 can bring.”
“It’s a great competition across the four divisions as it gives every county an opportunity to win silverware.”
“It is also fantastic to see such extensive coverage with our broadcast partners TG4, eir Sport and RTÉ all involved with live-action again this season.”
This year’s tournament will have an extra edge as it will require the teams in Division three to secure promotion in April in order to play in the All Ireland Championship. Those left behind, unless they win their Provincial Championship will play instead in the new Tier Two tournament taking place for the first time.
Only two of Cork, Down, Derry, Tipperary, Offaly, Louth, Longford and Leitrim will make the cut, guaranteeing a deeper interest than ever before in the competition.
In addition, Allianz is committed once again to supporting the Cumann na mBunscoil tournaments for primary school children, one of the most magical events of the year giving teams a chance to play at Croke Park.
We are also looking forward to Gaelic games featuring as a major part of Allianz mainstream advertising in the backing courage series that last year highlighted the story of Paralympic Champion Ellen Keane.
Filming of the ad took place at a secret location in North Dublin on Wednesday and we will bring news of this as it emerges over the coming weeks.
Join us as well on Monday when we will reveal the new Sponsorship manager taking over from Damien O’Neill. They will be familiar to those who have followed sports sponsorship with us over recent years and a great addition to a strong team.
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