Offaly GAA confirms major new sponsorship deal

Offaly GAA has announced a major new sponsorship deal with Glenisk, the Killeigh-based organic dairy food company.

Glenisk is currently in a major rebuilding process after a devastating fire last September destroyed its dairy premises in Newtown, Killeigh.

Offaly GAA's new deal with Glenisk ends one of the longest shirt sponsorships in Irish sport with Carroll Cuisine having been sponsors since 1991.

The five-year agreement with Glenisk to become the main sponsors of Offaly GAA incorporates football and hurling teams at all levels.

While the value of the sponsorship has not been revealed officially, the Irish Mirror has reported that the lucrative deal is "believed to be worth around €750,000 over five years", considered to be significantly more than what Offaly was receiving from Carroll's.

Speaking about the new partnership, Glenisk Managing Director Vincent Cleary said: “It’s with enormous pride that Glenisk becomes official partner to Cumann Lúthchleas Gael Uíbh Fhailí. It is an honour to have the opportunity to play a part as this comeback story unfolds.

"Supporting Offaly GAA is a long-held ambition and despite the fire at our facility last September, we remained committed. With faith in the future, both our organisations are hungry for success and excited to face the challenges that lie ahead.

"At Glenisk, our immediate priority is the return of our products to our customers’ fridges in the coming days. After that, we are looking forward to working closely with Offaly GAA on plans for the years ahead.”

In welcoming Glenisk as main sponsor, Offaly GAA chairperson Michael Duignan said the deal “represents a major opportunity to progress Gaelic games in Offaly and offers financial stability and the resources to implement our ambitious plans for the future".

"We wish Glenisk every success as their products return to the shelves in the coming weeks," he continued.

Mr Duignan added that Carroll’s of Tullamore were very much part of the county's success since 1991.

"Offaly GAA are very appreciative and thankful for their longstanding sponsorship and hope that the company will continue to support our activities in the coming years," he said.

An official launch of the new partnership with Glenisk is expected to be held shortly.

Earlier this year, Vincent Cleary vowed that Glenisk would rebuild a completely “carbon neutral” business - see article here.