Rebels bide time finding new jersey sponsor

Cork chairman Bob Ryan says he is not surprised that it is taking so long for Cork GAA to find a main sponsor.

Speaking at the announcement of Lucozade Sport as drinks sponsors for Cork GAA teams, Ryan said: “I’m not (surprised), we’ve had a number of protracted negotiations with companies and some of those are still on the table, but nothing has been finalised.

“We’re all trying to get as much as we can but we’d be hopeful we have a sponsor before very long.

“We’re in discussions with a number of different companies but as of now, we’re not in a position to close the deal.

“We’re waiting to see what the best deal we can get the county is.

“The environment is a challenging one, it’s totally different. Everyone is looking for more for less. We’ll just have to continue and negotiate as best we can.”

The contract with mobile communications firm O2 runs to the end of this month, and if a sponsor is not found, then Cork will wear an unbranded jerseys in their league campaign.

“Our contract with O2 is terminated as of the end of this month and we’ll have unbranded jerseys until such time as we have a new sponsor.

“If we had a new sponsor we’d wear those jerseys but the contract terminates at the end of January. The jerseys will be blank.

“We’re confident and hopeful we’ll do a deal. It’s difficult out there, though. Companies are under pressure as well, and a lot of counties are finding that out, not just us.”