‘Tyrone brand’ a winner

THE Tyrone brand continues to represent a lucrative investment opportunity, despite the recession.

While two major sponsors were lost this year due to the prevailing economic climate, six others were in place within months, as the GAA in the county secured the financial backing required to press ahead with a range of activities.

“It is extremely encouraging, particularly in the difficult economic climate that we are experiencing, to find that so many companies recognise the worth of Tyrone GAA,” says county secretary Dominic McCaughey in his report to next week’s annual convention.

“By providing sponsorship they are indicating that they acknowledge what we are doing, and what we stand for is something they want to be associated with.

“Being associated with the Tyrone GAA ‘brand’ will bring benefits to these sponsors and we can only encourage our units and members to ensure whatever support possible will be returned to the sponsors.”

McCaughey believes it is important to recognise the difficulties posed by the economic downturn, and to remain appreciative of the support of all the companies who have provided sponsorship to Tyrone in the past.

“We all recognise and are affected by the challenging economic circumstances, which show little sign of improvement. We regret to note that this poor economic climate caused the loss of two of Tyrone’s major sponsors at the turn of the year. Both of these businesses were based within the county and each had provided generous funding to Tyrone over many years.

“With the departure of these long-standing supporters began the difficult task of seeking out new sponsors that would be prepared to become associated with the GAA in Tyrone.

“Discussions, presentations, consultations and meetings took place over several months with many groups, institutions, companies and individuals. It is pleasing to report that by the end of the spring we had agreements with six different businesses.”