Club Energise tie up players' deal

Five of Ireland's top GAA stars are to act as brand ambassadors for drinks company Club Energise, the official soft drinks sponsor of the Gaelic Players Association.

Footballers Bryan Cullen (Dublin), Brendan Jer O'Sullivan (Cork) and Jason Ryan (Waterford), Galway hurler David Collins and Armagh dual player Paul McCormack have all signed up to initial three-month contracts.

The deals mark the first time that players, through the GPA, have entered into a contractual agreement with a commercial body.

Each player will work for 20 hours per week within their respective counties, promoting the Club Energise brand alongside staff from the soft drinks company.

In a statement released today, the GPA revealed that the players "will personally promote the 100% Irish brand into GAA clubs, shops and licensed premises.

"Top of the ambassadors' agenda will be to successfully communicate to clubs and sales outlets that money from every bottle of Club Energise and Club Energise Sport sold goes directly to support the players and the GPA."

Speaking at this afternoon's launch at Dublin's Westbury Hotel, Club Energise Brand Manager Enda Trautt said: "Over the past number of years we have enjoyed a very close and successful relationship with the GPA.

"As an intrinsically Irish brand, Club Energise is delighted to support such a successful Irish organisation and we look forward to continuing to support the GPA over the coming years."

Welcoming the joint initiative, GPA Chief Executive Dessie Farrell said: "Due to a direct link with the GPA and players, Club Energise has been a success since day one.

"This is the only sports drink that benefits the playing body directly, so why would any GAA supporter choose a competing product?"

He also added that the GPA were keen to involve a player from a less successful county - Jason Ryan from the Waterford footballers.

Farrell admitted: "We are delighted that Jason has taken up this opportunity with Club Energise and the GPA. I think it is indicative of what we are trying to do. It's not just about the high profile players. The Donegal hurlers and Leitrim hurlers have benefited also from scholarships."

Last year saw the GPA award third level scholarships to 31 players, funded directly through the proceeds from Club Energise Sport. Cullen (DCU) and Collins (GMIT) were both scholarship recipients.