Bank of Ireland is set to become the new official sponsor of the DCU GAA Academy. The five year deal will commence immediately, with the banks brand appearing on jerseys and around the sports grounds shortly.
“Bank of Ireland has an impressive record of supporting GAA at Championship level for several decades and this new sponsorship gives us a unique opportunity to invest in the development of the next generation of talented players that will keep this wonderful game of ours centre stage” said Gabriel Bannigan, director of retail strategy and marketing.
“As the leading bank for students in Ireland this sponsorship is an excellent fit for both parties. We look forward to a terrific association with DCU who are at the forefront in developing Ireland’s leading centre of sporting excellence” added Bannigan, the former Monaghan football player.
The academy, which was founded in 2006, caters for elite athletes who play hurling and football.
According to the banks’ website the academy is an “integral part of the social and educational lives of the campus community and the programmes ensure that the athletes are in a position to achieve sporting success both during and after their time at the college”.
Michael Kennedy, Director of the GAA Academy had this to say: “DCU currently has 79 GAA players from 22 Counties in its Sports Academy. We are delighted that Bank of Ireland has joined us as sponsors.
“Our ambition is to see all our footballers and hurlers graduate with a quality education in their chosen field and to provide them with the facilities, scientific and medical support to help them to fulfil their potential as players. Bank of Ireland’s support will allow us to continue to educate, nurture and develop some of the country’s most exciting young footballers.”
With such a variety of talent, it seems like the 2013/14 season in the GAA Academy is set to be one of the best since it began back in 2006.
Cian Roche
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