Tegral parting ways with Lilywhites as downturn takes toll

One of the longest county jersey sponsorship deals has come to an end with the news that Tegral won’t be renewing their backing of Kildare next season.

Like Kerry Group’s sponsorship of the Kingdom, Carrolls Meats’ association with Offaly and Supermacs’ support of Galway’s hurlers, the roof slates company have been linked with the Lilywhites since brand names were permitted on jerseys in 1991.

However, they yesterday announced that they won’t be involved in 2013, citing the downturn in the construction industry for their decision.

“Everyone within and associated with Tegral is sharing the burden of the diminished business situation and unfortunately our sponsorship programme also has to be curtailed,” said Tegral managing director Paddy Kelly.

“We have supported the Kildare footballers from the Mick O’Dwyer era right through to the present day and were proud to be involved when the senior footballers won the Leinster championship in 1998 and 2000 and reached the All-Ireland final in 1998. Also during our sponsorship both the U21s and juniors won two Leinster titles each.”

Kelly said Tegral will assist the Kildare board in finding a new sponsor.

Interestingly, the Kerry Group announced the creation of 800 jobs in Naas last week.

At this year’s Congress, a Roscommon motion calling for teams to be allowed up to four sponsors on the jerseys — front, back and sleeves — was withdrawn and referred to the GAA’s commercial department in Croke Park.

Roscommon had struggled to find a sponsor earlier this year before striking a deal with former backer, John Murphy, and his hospice movement.

Down played in this year’s Championship with Canal Court Hotel’s logo emblazoned across their chests despite the Newry company withdrawing as sponsors before last Christmas.

Tyrone are on the lookout for new backing after Target Express ceased trading in August.

Last week, Meath announced Ashbourne’s Tayto Park as jersey sponsor.