Sponsorship options around All Ireland Weekends are closely guarded to protect the six main sponsors of the GAA’s marquee events of the year but there is an opportunity to get involved in the excitement of the time via a Gaelic Players Association initiative which is now into it’s third year.
The GPA Former Players Event on the eve of the All-Ireland football final takes place in Croke Park on Saturday, August 19th.
Tyrone legend and three-time All-Ireland medal winner Brian McGuigan, GPA President and former Kildare stalwart Dermot Earley, eight-time All-Ireland hurling medal winner with Kilkenny Eddie Brennan, former Sligo footballer and GPA officer Dara McGarty and former Dublin captain Tony Hanahoe were on hand to issue an open invite to former county players to join the celebration of their contribution to the games.
Smart
It’s a smart way of repaying the players who gave so much of their time, most likely in a time when the opportunities for national exposure were more limited than they are today.
The event is paid for by sponsor companies taking tables of ten for four of their own guests and six players who may have inspired their own sporting ambition in years gone by.
The GPA Lifetime Achievement Awards in hurling and football will also be presented on the day. The lunch is an integral part of the GPA’s on-going work in developing a county player alumni.
Theme
“Last year a theme was selected to promote the annual gathering of former county hurlers and footballers – we decided upon ‘Your Place Remains’,” said former Dublin Captain Tony Hanahoe who chairs the Former Players Group.
“It is an important, inclusive message of support the former warriors who graced the playing fields of yesteryear; your contribution is respected and if there is someone who needs help, then the GPA is there to support you.”
“The Former Players Event is an important social occasion, a valuable chance for former players to meet with their old team-mates and adversaries on All-Ireland weekend, to honour legends of the past – it is a hugely enjoyable gathering and one with enormous potential,” added GPA President Dermot Earley.
Support
“The event also sends out a powerful message to the past playing community that they can reach out to the GPA for support if they need it.”
The GPA currently assists former players through its development programme particularly in the areas of career development, return to education bursaries, career development, counselling services, medical assistance and hardship fund.
Any former players interested in attending or sponsors who wish to support a table are asked to contact Karen Thorpe in the GPA on 018575686 or send email to formerplayers@gaelicplayers.com
Picture credit: Ramsey Cardy / Sportsfile
The Gaelic Players Association is among more than 130 organisations that are full members of our Sport for Business network of leaders. Find out how we can help your organisation build business through sport
