Magpies chief Ashley partners GAA in boot venture

Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley has been confirmed as the main benefactor from the GAA-GPA backed gaelicboots.com website.

Established last November, the company is listed as an Irish one based in John Rogerson’s Quay in Dublin. However, the Irish Examiner has discovered its company number, VAT number and shareholders are Ashley’s English-based sportsdirect.com.

Although it operates out of Eurobase in Waterford’s IDA Industrial Park, the directors named in company registration documents are David Forsey, chief executive of Sports Direct International PLC, and Barry Leach, head of brands division at the retailer.