Gaelic Games Europe has secured a major new partnership with Kingspan.

The two-year title sponsorship deal comes as the GAA expands its footprint to more than 100 clubs in over 20 countries across continental Europe, with a playing membership of 4,900 — half of whom are non-Irish.

The announcement is a strategic step in bolstering efforts to develop the sport beyond Ireland through a combination of grassroots investment, coaching education, and sustainable governance structures.

Kingspan is headquartered in Kingscourt, Co. Cavan, and is exiting this season from a long-term deal with Ulster Rugby.

Now we know that some of that investment at least is remaining within sport.

The company’s support will provide both financial resources and long-term strategic direction for Gaelic Games Europe.

“We’re thrilled to partner with a global leader like Kingspan for the next two years, and hopefully beyond,” said Chris Collins, Head of Operations at Gaelic Games Europe.

“This partnership strengthens our ability to grow the games across Europe and provides an incredible boost to our players, coaches and volunteers working on the ground. It’s a real milestone moment for Gaelic Games in Europe.”

This latest commitment marks a notable evolution in Kingspan’s sports sponsorship portfolio. Earlier this year, the company signalled the end of its shirt-front and naming rights deal with Ulster Rugby in Belfast, bringing to a close one long-term association, but one which has and is about to be filled.

Kingspan has maintained its connection to Irish sport through its continued support of Cavan GAA and golfer Leona Maguire.

Now, the link is being extended into the heart of the Irish sporting diaspora, with Kingspan supporting the expansion of Gaelic Games across mainland Europe.

The company’s Global Sports Sponsorship and Partnership Manager, Richard Beswick, said the new agreement was a natural fit.

“As a global Irish business with deep roots in the GAA, we are proud to support Gaelic Games Europe. This partnership allows us to extend that commitment across Europe and gives our teams on the continent a meaningful way to connect with our heritage.”

The timing of the deal aligns with Gaelic Games Europe’s ambitious new strategic plan, developed in collaboration with World GAA and twinning partner Leinster GAA.

The plan focuses on regional self-sufficiency, youth development, coaching education, and a revamped games programme designed to meet the needs of a growing, diverse membership.

Seven certified coaching courses will be rolled out across Europe this year, led by locally based coach developers and endorsed by Sport Ireland Coaching. The aim is to support the next generation of players, coaches, and club leaders — many of whom come from outside the traditional Irish community.

Participation in the European Féile has grown by more than 200% since its inception in 2022, with the most recent edition hosted in Amsterdam drawing record numbers.

 

Business of Golf Event

 

 

Sport for Business is hosting our second annual Business of Golf event at Carton House on the morning of Tuesday, July 1st, followed by an exclusive golf experience at the Golf Ireland Academy.

We will gather at the prestigious Carton House, a Fairmont Managed Hotel, from 10 AM with a series of conversations taking place from 1030 to 1230 and then a walk around to the Academy for a session in the bays and on the green with Golf Ireland’s world-leading coaches.

 

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