Allianz extends sponsorship of national leagues

The GAA and Allianz have announced an extension of the insurance company's sponsorship of the national football and hurling leagues for a further three years.

The new deal means the long-standing partnership will continue until 2012 at the earliest.

The National Football League begins on February 6 next year, with the Hurling League due to get underway on February 20.

Speaking at today's sponsorship announcement, former Tipperary manager Babs Keating suggested that the fixtures should be started earlier to avoid clashes with the club championship.