Ulster Bank withdraws sponsorship of college competitions

The recession has hit GAA coffers as Ulster Bank have withdrawn its sponsorship of the Higher Education Championships and leagues, which include the prestigious Sigerson Cup and Fitzgibbon Cup.

The financial institution succeeded IT company Datapac as the sponsors in 2007. Their sponsorship helped provide a platform for them to get on board under the new multi-sponsor model for the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship in 2008.

Ulster Bank's sponsorship of third level competitions provided in the region of €80,000 each year to the sector.

The bank has diversified its sports sponsorship portfolio in recent years and took over from AIB as sponsor of rugby's All-Ireland League this season.

Despite the current recession, it is believed that Higher Education chiefs are confident of finding new sponsors with the high profile live TV coverage the Sigerson and Fitzgibbon Cup competitions receive set to increase next year.

2012 will also be the centenary year of hurling's Fitzgibbon Cup. UCC will be the host venue.

Ulster Bank's withdrawal from this sponsorship is not expected to affect its other GAA sponsorships, with its involvement in the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship set to continue in 2011 and beyond.