Sponsorship 'vital' to GAA, says Stadium Director

The Stadium Director of the GAA has welcomed suggestions that the sponsorship of sporting and musical events by alcohol companies looks likely to continue for the time being.

The Stadium Director of the GAA, Peter McKenna, has welcomed suggestions that the sponsorship of sporting and musical events by alcohol companies looks likely to continue for the time being.

It is reported today that the Junior Sport and Tourism Minister, Michael Ring, has indicated that a ban on alcohol brands sponsoring such events should not be introduced in the current climate.

The blanket ban on alcohol sponsorship is just one of the proposals by the National Substance Misuse Strategy.

Mr McKenna has said such sponsorship deals are hugely important to the GAA.

He said: "I would say sponsorship is vital. We have 14 key sponsors and our income from sponsors per annum would be about €10m.

"So it is a very sizeable contribution to our bottom line."