Down will accept cup with Allianz ribbons should they win Division 3 final

Down were one of the nine counties to recommend that the GAA ends its relationship with Allianz. They have also facilitated protests at Páirc Esler

Down GAA chairperson Maureen O’Higgins said county football captain Odhrán Murdock will accept the cup should his side win the Division 3 football final on Saturday. Pic: Tom Beary/Sportsfile

Down will accept the Division 3 National Football League cup with Allianz ribbons if they win Saturday’s final against Wexford in Croke Park.

Down were one of the nine counties who passed a motion recommending the GAA cut its commercial ties with the insurance company because of a 2025 UN-commissioned report, which highlighted a subsidiary of the global firm’s links to the genocide in Gaza.

In January, Down club Saval called for the county to withdraw from the competition in protest at the sponsorship. They later recalled their motion. Instead, the county board would request the GAA make a substantial donation to provide humanitarian aid to people in the stricken Palestinian region.

A report by the GAA’s ethics and integrity commission found Allianz’s Irish subsidiary, Allianz PLC, had no links with the Israeli Defence Forces or “corporate entities involved in the war in Gaza”.

Protests against Allianz’s partnership with the GAA have continued both in and outside of league games, while a number of protesters interrupted last month’s Annual Congress in Croke Park.

On Sunday, the Down County Board facilitated an on-field protest at half-time of their final Division 3 game against Laois in Páirc Esler. At least one earlier rally had taken place outside the Newry venue.

Similar on-field protests have also been held at Tyrone senior footballers’ Division 2 home fixtures. The latest occurred on the O’Neills Healy Park pitch in Omagh this past weekend during the interval of their clash with Cork. Taoiseach Micheál Martin was a spectator at the game.

As far back as 2001, after Allianz bought Church & General and took over title sponsorship of the National Leagues, their brand has featured on ribbons in the winning county’s colours tied to the league cups.

In the event Down win on Saturday, county chairperson Maureen O’Higgins said captain Odhrán Murdock will accept the trophy. 

“There are two teams playing here and we won’t be disrespectful with regard to what ribbons are on the cup. That’s a matter for Croke Park. We will accept the cup if we are fortunate enough to win it.” 

O’Higgins confirmed the Down board had granted permission for the “No to Allianz” protest on Sunday. 

“They had contacted our county secretary (Seán Óg McAteer), they made their protest very peacefully and left the pitch at half-time. There was courtesy afforded to both parties.” 

Several other protests occurred outside National League venues this past weekend including Castlebar, Galway and Thurles.