Ulster Bank end sponsorship of cups

THE recession has hit GAA coffers as Ulster Bank have withdrawn its sponsorship of the Higher Education Championships and leagues, which include the prestigious Sigerson and Fitzgibbon Cups.

The financial institution succeeded IT company Datapac as the sponsor in 2007, and the sponsorship helped provide a platform to get on board under the new multi-sponsor model for the GAA senior football championship in 2008.

Ulster Bank’s sponsorship of Third Level competitions provided in the region of €80,000 each year to the sector.

Despite the current recession, it is believed that Higher Education chiefs are confident of finding another sponsor with the high profile live TV coverage the Sigerson and Fitzgibbon Cup competitions receive set to increase next year.

2012 will also be the centenary year of hurling’s Fitzgibbon Cup, which will be hosted by UCC.

Ulster Bank’s withdrawal from this sponsorship is not expected to affect its other GAA sponsorships, with its involvement in the GAA All-Ireland Senior Football Championship set to continue in 2011 and beyond.