Technology and media were very much to the fore at the launch yesterday of eir’s seventh year as sponsor of the GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship.
Match day clips from all games will be available on eir Sport social media channels throughout the Championship including half time and full time compilations of scores and key incidents in the game.
eir Sport is a long time broadcast partner of the GAA through coverage of the Allianz Leagues and the AIB All Ireland Club Championships, though not as part of the media rights deal concluded late last year for the All Ireland Inter County Championships.
Parent company eir though is strongly behind the Championship and will be through 2021 after signing an extension to its existing partnership last year.
Cillian O’Connor, an eir ambassador, and fellow players Eoin Cadogan (Cork), Jack McCarron (Monaghan) and Paddy Brophy (Kildare) highlighted the positive impact modern, cutting edge methods have had on their training and preparatory regimes.
Seated in dressing room number one, where they hope to be through the summer, all four spoke of the use of apps to measure sleep, movement and nutrition as well as GPS technology helping them to measure their own performance, that of the team and of future opposition.
“Gaelic football today is far more than just what happens during the game,” said eir Sponsorship Manager John Anslow.
“Just as players use cutting edge technology to train and prepare for all possible scenarios, fans too want to use the best and fastest ways to ensure they are ready and informed come throw-in. That’s why we are committed to creating an environment that meets their needs.”
“We will be creating more video content this year, telling the story behind the headlines of how our ambassadors are progressing through the ups and downs of the Championship.”
“We will be back again with online and social engagements such as our quiz and predictors which last year alone appealed to over 350,000 fans.”
“Supporters will have chances to win tickets to all games, including the All-Ireland final, and the opportunity to be a flag bearer come the biggest day in Gaelic football in September.”
“Additionally, this season eir Sport will be pushing out highlights clips of all senior Championship football games across the eir Sport social media channels.”
“Fans across the country will be able to see these clips on their mobile devices during and after the games. eir Sport will also have archive clip rights.”
eir is also getting involved with the GAA’s new loyalty programme, grma, offering exclusive discounts on home broadband and phone packages as the Official Telecoms Partner of the Association.
eir’s television ad in support of the sponsorship will be back on air on June 10th. It features Cillian and Kerry’s Fionn Fitzgerald and shows the way the modern-day footballer prepares to ensure they get the very best out of themselves come the big championship occasions.
“We are delighted to see the commitment eir makes on an ongoing basis to improve the match day experience for fans, added GAA President Aogán Ó Fearghail.
“Its business is about connecting people and they help us to connect our fans to our games. Hurling and football may be ancient but we enjoy them and take them in in the most modern of ways.”
