Bord Gáis Energy U21 GAA Hurling U21 All Ireland Championship 2016 LaunchThe battle for hearts and minds of sports fans among energy companies continues to flare with the launch yesterday of the Bord Gáis Energy GAA U21 All Ireland Championship in Dublin.

Electric Ireland supports the GAA Minor Championships in Hurling and Football and is a main partner of Team Ireland at the Olympic Games while SSE Airtricity is a long term backer of domestic soccer and the Dublin Marathon.  Eirgrid is involved with GAA while Flogas is expanding it’s involvement with sport to include boxers Paddy Barnes and Michael Conlan.

A new team of ambassadors in each of the counties taking part was unveiled, hoping to follow in the illustrious footsteps of those who have gone before including Joe Canning, Richie Hogan, Liam Rushe and Tony Kelly.

They will each produce a mix of written, video and social media content hosted on a specific BGEU21.ie website.

This will also feed into a significant social media campaign across twitter, Facebook, Instagram and you tube with highlights, player analysis and reports being shared across the networks under a unified hashtag of #BGEU21.

TG4 will broadcast eleven games over the course of the 2015 Championship and fans will once again be able to nominate their Man of the Match via Twitter using the #LaochBGE hashtag during live match broadcasts.

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“Everyone at Bord Gáis Energy is very proud of our association with the U21 championship,” said Bord Gáis Energy Managing Director Dave Kirwan.

“Its knockout nature, along with the passion and skill of the players, make hurling at this grade arguably the most exciting and unique to enjoy.”

“In the end it all comes down to one game, and that ensures every game counts.”

“We’re committed to creating an enjoyable experience for fans, the players’ families and their supporters.”

“We’ll focus on bringing them as close to the action as possible, whether that’s through presenting the Man of the Match awards on live television or getting behind the scenes updates on match days through our social media updates.”

GAA President Aogán Ó Fearghail is in overdrive at present with Championship partnership announcements coming thick and fast.

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“Bord Gáis Energy is a very committed sponsor and the recent announcement that they will continue for a further five years was extremely welcome,” he said speaking at the launch.

“They play a key role in promoting the game and its players with fans all around the country.

“This championship provides some of the most memorable moments and matches year in year out and I’m looking forward to seeing what the 2016 edition throws up.”

“We’ve a new trophy and new champions and the 2016 championship promises to be another mix of drama and excitement,” added Dublin Senior Hurling Manager and Bord Gáis Energy Sports Ambassador Ger Cunningham.

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