O’Neills have been unveiled as a grassroots sponsor of Cricket through taking over naming rights on the Ulster Cup, Shield and Plate.
The company, best known for its long relationship with gaelic games across Ireland, has been a kit supplier to Cricket Ireland and helped in the raising of the profile of the support off the back of success on the field of play in recent years.
“Getting involved in these tournaments is further evidence of our commitment to Irish cricket,” said Kieran Kennedy, managing director of O’Neills.
“We’ve an excellent working relationship with Cricket Ireland and our existing deal has been mutually beneficial to both parties. It’s fantastic that we’re able to help the sport at grass roots as well as international level, and fits in well with our business model, supporting local communities across Ireland.”
The announcement of the sponsorship was made at O’Neills factory in Strabane, where the company has been for 40 years on a 12 acre site. It recently announced a £3 million investment in the facility and the creation of 60 new jobs bringing the total number employed there to 400.
O’Neills will celebrate its centenary in 2018.
“We’re delighted to extend our partnership with O’Neills to include these very prestigious tournaments in Northern Ireland,” said Cricket Ireland Head of Commercial Dennis Cousins.
“Since we commenced our partnership with O’Neills in 2012, they have consistently surpassed our expectations on all levels. This extended partnership also presents a great opportunity for O’Neills to build on their relationship with Irish cricket clubs and with cricket in general, as participation and interest in cricket continues to grow at record levels.”
