Diageo director Whelan stoutly defends continuing GAA deal

THE success of the Guinness partnership with the GAA over the past 13 years was one of the primary reasons for the company remaining as one of the three sponsors of the GAA All-Ireland senior hurling championship, according to Michael Whelan, Sponsorship Director of Diageo.

Speaking at yesterday’s formal launch in Croke Park, GAA President Nickey Brennan paid tribute to them for their unique brand of marketing, saying that they had played a key role in promoting the game over this period.

Mr Brennan also welcomed new sponsors, Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, and RTÉ, whom he described as a “very appropriate partner”.