Gravy train on track for U-21 hurlers as Erin enter the mix

THE ever-growing popularity of the GAA’s inter-county U21 competitions was confirmed with the announcement yesterday that Erin Foods are to sponsor the hurling championship at the grade until 2006.

No figure was disclosed but John Rooney, marketing director for Campbell’s Soup Ireland, Erin’s owners, said the figure was ‘substantial’. It is believed the figure will increase for each of the four years.

Apart from a brief three-year stint sponsoring the Leopardstown races some years ago, the 40-year-old company has neverbeen involved in sport, so the decision to take the plunge with the U-21 hurling championship for such a stint is a significant coup for the GAA.