Kerry GAA schools champions refuse to be photographed with Allianz signage

The insurance company are the sponsors of Cumann na mBunscol

Photo: Sean Byrne

Dingle primary school Scoil Íognáird Rís refused to be photographed with Allianz signage following a Cumann na mBunscol final in Tralee on Tuesday.

The insurance company are the sponsors of the primary schools GAA organisation. The players elected not to appear behind their banner after the victory over Killorglin’s Scoil Náisiúnta Gleann na gCoileach in the “6/7 teacher” county decider in Austin Stack Park.

The decision was taken following discussions between staff and the students involved on the team. The principal of Scoil Íognáird Rís is Pádraig Corcoran, who managed Dingle to the All-Ireland senior club championship earlier this year and previously coached Kerry’s senior team.

Several GAA units have taken exception to the organisation’s relationship with Allianz since a report from UN special rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories Francesa Albanese last year. 

In it, she claimed the German firm had financial links to Israel’s military actions and occupation in Gaza. Allianz has dismissed that it has financed, enabled or facilitated genocide or violence.

Last month, Dublin clubs voted in favour of St Joseph’s-O’Connell Boys’ motion for the county board’s county committee to lobby the GAA to conclude all relationships with Allianz following a re-negotiation of current contracts.

Recently, national GAA officials spoke to county representatives about any forthcoming motions relating to the association’s commercial activities. They were informed Croke Park were available to advise them on whether proposals were admissible.

Further motions are anticipated ahead of county conventions. Last year, nine counties voted for the GAA to severe ties with its long-term sponsor, while Tyrone management and players have refused to be interviewed in front of Allianz signage.

In early August, the GAA’s management committee and Central Council “overwhelmingly agreed” to retain the partnership with Allianz. The company are sponsors of the National Leagues and co-sponsors of the All-Ireland senior football championship. They also underwrite thousands of GAA premiums.

Allianz does not accept the conclusions made against it in the UN-commissioned report of July 2025. 

“The conflict in the Middle East has caused immense suffering. The path to a just and lasting peace lies with political leadership and diplomacy; Allianz’s responsibility is to operate lawfully and responsibly,” it has stated.

“Against that background, Allianz wholly and unequivocally rejects the allegations contained in the July 2025 Special Rapporteur’s report and any allegation of complicity in violence. Allianz operates in accordance with applicable law, its fiduciary duties, and internationally recognised human rights and sustainability frameworks.”