Sports Direct on board as official supporter of Offaly club
There is big news for Rhode GAA today as Sports Direct have announced that they will become an official supporter of the club for the next three years until 2024.
The announcement was part of a nationwide expansion of Sports Direct’s grassroots GAA support programme, with a further five new clubs – including Rhode GAA - added to their portfolio. This brings their overall grassroots GAA support to 11 clubs nationwide.
For the past three years, as part of Cycle 1 of their grassroots programme, Sports Direct has been proud official supporters of six GAA clubs across Ireland including: Glen Rovers (Cork), Listry GAA (Kerry), Ballygunner GAA (Waterford), Clane GAA (Kildare), St Dominic’s GAA (Roscommon) and Bellaghy GAC (Derry).
Sports Direct has invested more than €250,000 into their support at this level to date, and today’s announcement further shows their commitment to local GAA. With the launch of Cycle 2 of the programme, they will not only continue their support of their Cycle 1 clubs, but have also added support for Rhode GAA (Offaly), St. James’ GAA (Galway), Blessington GAA (Wicklow), Cavan Gaels GAA (Cavan) and Geraldine’s GFC (Louth) into their grassroots fold.
Today’s announcement comes just three months after Sports Direct’s unveiling as sponsors of Cork GAA across the men’s senior football and hurling teams, and the minor and under-20 teams in both codes for the next five years.
The news also comes just one month before the opening of a new Sports Direct store in Galway city in June 2021, at Corrib Shopping Centre, with plans for further expansion throughout Ireland this year.
Sports Direct’s Managing Director, Leonard Brassel said: “Over the past three years, we have been Official Supporters of six grassroots GAA clubs and we have nurtured positive relationships with each of them, which remain true and respectful to the principles and culture of these clubs. Today, we are incredibly proud to announce our expansion of this support for another three years and incorporating five more clubs, to bring the total number of clubs to 11 nationwide.
"As we continue to expand in the Irish market, the group couldn’t be prouder of our Grassroots Official Supporter programme. We are delighted to take this next step in our grassroots support, and help to support these clubs and communities who have such a passion for GAA. All of us at Sports Direct share this passion for Gaelic Games, and we look forward to working with all of these local clubs and celebrating the local success stories.’’
With the return of sport, Sports Direct’s stores are open now by appointment for children’s footwear and essentials. From Tuesday, May 11, Sports Direct will also be open by appointment for all of your other sporting needs.