Malachy O’Rourke becomes first leading inter-county manager to oppose GAA's Allianz link

The Tyrone boss becomes the first leading inter-county manager to publicly express his opposition

Tyrone manager Malachy O’Rourke. Pic: ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne

Malachy O’Rourke has become the first leading inter-county manager to publicly express his opposition to the GAA’s commercial links with Allianz.

The Tyrone manager recently attended a “Drop Allianz” rally and held a banner featuring the county’s crest and the words “Our Club, Our Voice, Drop Allianz”.

Also in attendance was former Dublin footballer and selector David Hickey, who has been a prominent figure in the protests against the GAA’s relationship with global insurance company, who have been linked to the genocide in Gaza. Ex-Down forward Greg Blaney was also there in support.

Allianz are one of the three associate sponsors of the All-Ireland senior football championship. During the National League, of which they are the sole sponsors, Tyrone players refused to pose or conduct any interviews in front of the company’s branding.

It remains to be seen if O’Rourke follows suit during the GAA+ coverage of their All-Ireland SFC Round 1 game against Roscommon on Sunday.

Tyrone were one of the nine counties who voted last year for the GAA to sever its relationship with its longest-standing sponsor. Earlier this year, they accommodated on-field protests at their home games in Omagh.

At last Sunday’s Ulster SFC final between Armagh and Monaghan in Clones, a large “Allianz Amach” sign featuring the Palestinian and Irish flags was unveiled on the hill above the eastern terrace of St Tiernach’s Park. The Palestinian flag was also placed over an Allianz sponsor hoarding.

In December, the GAA agreed with their ethics and integrity commission’s conclusion that they should not discontinue their agreements with Allianz.

Speaking last month, GAA president Jarlath Burns said the issue had been a difficult one for him. “I didn't expect that this will be the thing that would cause the most sleepless nights for me. I'm very sorry that this has caused so much hurt amongst so many people I respect so much.”