Championship footballs and sliotars to be sponsored - with funds to GPA

 Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

The footballs and sliotars used in next year’s championship could carry a sponsor.

As part of their “Le Chéile” joint commercial agreement, the GAA have agreed to a proposal by the Gaelic Players Association (GPA) to develop a “championship ball”, which will carry the logo of a commercial backer.

All proceeds from the sponsorship of the balls will go to the GPA as part of the new official recognition protocol, which was signed off by Central Council this past weekend.

O’Neills have long manufactured the official football of choice in the championship, while they are among five companies including Cork’s Cummins Sports who can provide the smart sliotars used in the senior, U20 and minor inter-county hurling competitions.

Although the Allianz logo is carried on balls during its sponsorship of the National Leagues and All-Ireland final balls carry the names of the participating counties and date, this is a new initiative believed to be inspired by Australian Rules, which has long had sponsors on its Sherrin-made ball during the Premiership.

The likes of finals series backers Toyota, who are the official car partner of the GAA, the Camogie Association and GPA, and McDonald’s are AFL ball sponsors, although in recent times clubs had been permitted to do their own deals for home games.

It remains to be seen if the branded championship ball, which is intended to be the only ball used in the competitions, will be available to purchase. An AFL replica game ball retails at AUS$120 (€67), while one identical to that used in an official game is priced at $260 (€146). An O’Neills currently costs €50.

The ball is the latest Gaelic game element to be commodified. HawkEye is sponsored by Harvey Norman and their brand is also associated with statistics in the men’s codes as well as camogie. The electrical retailers replaced Specsavers this past season.

Eirgrid, who were previously associated with the U20 and U21 football championships, are the timing partners of the GAA. Last month, Fulfil were announced as the new backers of the U20 All-Ireland hurling championship.