Volkswagen Ireland has made a first venture into GAA sponsorship under its parent brand through taking on the title partnership of the All Ireland Junior Club Sevens, hosted by St Judes GAA Club in Dublin on the eve of the Senior inter county finals in September.
The brand is a key player in Rugby as an official partner of the IRFU and Leinster Rugby, and in Soccer through associations with a number of SSE Airtricity Premier League clubs. It also has smaller involvements in athletics and cycling while the Skoda brand was previously involved with Tipperary GAA.
When the competition first took place in 1989 it catered for 16 teams in hurling only but that has now expanded to 32 in both GAA codes.
“It’s been an exciting few years in the competition,” said Kevin Hayes, Chairman of the All-Ireland Junior Club Sevens and Commercial Director of Focal Media in Dublin.
“Last year we increased the competing teams to 32 in each code which was a huge success leading to record numbers attending on both days.”
“With Volkswagen onboard they are going to be an exceptional partner and they fully understand what we are trying to achieve with the All-Ireland Junior Club Sevens, it’s a natural fit and one we believe will drive this event forward.”
“Being involved with the All-Ireland Junior Club Sevens is a great fit for Volkswagen,” added Paul O’Sullivan, Head of Marketing at Volkswagen Ireland.
“The competitions are a major national event featuring with club teams from every county, in which hundreds of GAA players participate for the title of the All-Ireland Junior Club Champions.”
“We are delighted to be getting involved at the grass roots of hurling and football by supporting the 32 clubs in the finals and everyone behind the scenes who turn out to support their clubs in the events.”
Bernard Brogan, is a GAA Ambassador for Volkswagen Ireland and was also at the launch in Croke Park.
“We’re delighted to be involved in a partnership with St Judes and to give junior players a national forum on which to meet and compete and who rarely get the opportunity for such exposure.”
