Concern new system will squeeze local sponsorship

THE onset of the GAA’s new multi-sponsor arrangement for the All-Ireland hurling and football championships will not result in local sponsors being squeezed out — as long as they are not direct competitors!

Dermot Power, Commercial & Marketing director in Croke Park, made this clear yesterday in response to concerns voiced by the Leinster Council Secretary Michael Delaney in his annual report. While he recognises that there will be a significant increase in sponsorship at central level, it worries him that certain local revenues in the provinces and counties ‘will be compromised.’

“In some cases, they will have to cease in order to implement the sponsorship and fulfil the contractual obligations. This local sacrifice will have to be recognised,’’ Delaney states, explaining that he was merely ‘flagging’ the issue from a provincial council point of view.