Hockey Ireland has announced OLIVER Ireland as an official sponsor of the Ireland Women’s Indoor Hockey Team ahead of their return to Europe’s top tier at the EuroHockey Indoor Championship in Prague from January 15–18, 2026.
The new partnership sees the OLIVER logo prominently featured on the front of the Ireland Women’s Indoor playing kit throughout the 2026 international campaign and builds on a decade-long relationship between the creative agency and the domestic indoor game.
It follows OLIVER’s recent support of Ireland at the European Indoor Championship II in Galway in 2024, where the team secured promotion back to the elite level.
OLIVER Ireland’s commitment to indoor hockey in Ireland stretches back more than 10 years, most notably through its sponsorship of the Tommy O’Sullivan Shield and the McCann Cup, annual underage club indoor competitions hosted by Portrane Hockey Club.
Those tournaments have played a significant role in the player pathway, with more than 10 athletes progressing from the competitions to represent Ireland at the senior level during that period.
Ireland last competed at Europe’s highest level in 1990, having previously appeared in the 1985 and 1987 editions of the EuroHockey Indoor Championships.
That 36-year wait will come to an end when Ireland face Germany in their opening fixture on Thursday, January 15th.
“This EuroHockey Indoor Championship is such an exciting opportunity for the team as we return to top-flight indoor hockey after more than 30 years,” said Ireland Women’s Indoor Head Coach Rob Abbott.
“The history isn’t lost on us, and we know it will be tough, but the players have earned their place at this level of competition. Thanks to OLIVER for being part of the team as we go out and compete next week, as well as build the basis for continued development and growth afterwards.”
OLIVER Ireland CEO Mark McCann said the partnership reflects the team’s journey.
“The ambition and success of the Ireland Women’s Indoor team mirrors that of OLIVER, making this the perfect partnership,” he said.
“As a creative agency, we can see that the creativity and motivation of all the squad players is what has delivered this top-flight return after 35 years. OLIVER is delighted to support this achievement and wishes everyone a great tournament in Prague.”
Sport for Business Perspective
The announcement underlines the truth that the best way to grow sponsorship revenue is from within, from those who have experienced the sport and are willing to support it’s improvement and advance.
Early investment in participation and pathways delivers authentic credibility at international level, and shows how brands can align with performance, purpose and progression in a way that resonates beyond the initial engagement.
Image Credit: Oliver Agency
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