The Dublin branch of the Gaelic Athletic Association has secured an extension to its lucrative sponsorship deal with insurance company AIG.
AIG has extended its partnerships with Dublin GAA, Dublin LFGA and Dublin Camogie for a further five years.
The current deal, which was agreed in November 2013, expires this coming November. By the time the extended arrangement comes to an end AIG will have sponsored all four codes in Dublin for 10 years. AIG was the first sponsor to bring the codes under the umbrella of one sponsor in Dublin.
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the Irish Independent newspaper said the new five-year deal is set to be worth around €5m ($6m) over its duration, compared to the current €4m. The Independent added that the second biggest GAA sponsorship deal is thought to be Cork’s €420,000-per-year agreement with Chill Insurance.
As well as significant kit branding rights, the extended deal will also see AIG sponsor the new AIG Performance Centre at Parnell Park which is due to be fully developed this month and will be open for use to both club and county players from right across Dublin. AIG will sponsor all Dublin inter-county teams up to senior level.
Dublin County Board chairman Seán Shanley said: “Providing the right structures for young players to participate in hurling and football in a county with the population of Dublin is a huge operation which requires significant investment. With the backing of AIG, we can look forward to building on the work already being done and continue to invest in allowing as many girls and boys as possible to take part with the guidance of the best coaching.
“It is a massive day for the clubs all across Dublin. With the finance provided by this deal, Dublin County Board can invest in more projects, more coaching and better support structures. The AIG Performance Centre at Parnell Park will be just one of a number of initiatives which we have in the pipeline.”