Tipperary on verge of new sponsorship deal

TIPPERARY could have new jersey sponsors in time for next month’s National Leagues if re-negotiations with current backers Enfer Scientific fail. After winning last year’s All-Ireland SHC title, the Premier County is attracting interest from a number of companies and it is understood a car manufacturer, possibly Skoda Motors, could come on board if Enfer’s nine-year association with Tipperary is brought to an end.

County secretary Tim Floyd confirmed the board were in discussions with the animal health biotechnology company, believed to have one year left on its current arrangement. However, he did not rule out a possible tie-up with a firm such as Skoda.

“Nothing is definite at the moment as we are still in talks with Enfer,” said Tim Floyd.

Speculation was rife before Christmas the Premier County’s long-standing relationship with Enfer would come to an end in 2011. The chatter intensified last Sunday when Tipperary’s senior footballers wore Clonmel club Kilsheelan/Kilcash’s blue and gold jerseys in their McGrath Cup game against UL.

Enfer’s logo has been on the Tipperary jersey since 2002 when they succeeded drinks company Finches, whose deal ironically elapsed following the senior hurlers’ capture of the 2001 All-Ireland SHC title. According to reports in September 2009, Tipperary chairman Barry O’Brien announced at the All-Ireland final post-match banquet that Enfer had extended their sponsorship by two years.

Company founder, Louis Ronan, is regarded as an excellent patron of GAA in the county and was voted Tipperary Person of the Year in 2007.

A number of Tipperary’s top officials only arrived back from the senior hurlers’ team holiday to New York and Jamaica on Tuesday.

However, they are keen to have the sponsorship matter wrapped up before the end of the month.