Poll makes O’Driscoll all the rage for 2014

Brian O’Driscoll was identified as the most marketable personality for 2014.

The Leinster and Irish rugby star received a record high 37% of votes in a research poll carried out by industry experts Onside Sponsorship, the highest rating since they began their research.

Rory McIlroy, dogged by problems with a new deal with Nike and their clubs last year dropped 11% to third place at 7%. Roy Keane came in at 11% in second place while his new boss Martin O’Neill is in fourth at 6%.

The survey also predicted the Irish sponsorship market is set for a €1.3m drop in funding. Onside Sponsorship predicted the market will contract by 1.5% on 2013’s figures as the bigger spending companies prepare for a bumper 2015 with a Rugby World Cup and the Euros and Olympics the following year.

However their research also suggests rugby, venue naming rights and GAA hold more potential to develop this year and should perform strongly.