The GAA will today be taking the first steps to devising a sponsorship policy for next year. With the conclusion of major sponsorships dovetailing at the end of this coming season the opportunity has arisen for the association to re-think the strategy that has seen major sponsors associated individually with the football and hurling championships.
According to Dermot Power, the GAA's commercial and marketing manager, there will be a complete review of the strategy. "We're going to look at all of our options and a recent consultants report. The major sponsorships are up this year and we don't often get a chance to consider the whole issue."
He said that remarks of his in a Sunday newspaper interview suggesting the association was attracted by the concept of having several sponsorship partners rather than one, as has been the case for over 10 years, were an "over-reaction" to a rumour that the association were intending to go the other way and introduce one major corporate partner for all its activities.
"We haven't decided on any one strategy at present. We'll be looking at all options," he said.
On the subject of the international rugby matches at Croke Park, Power said they had raised the profile of the stadium considerably in an international context and this could have benefits for the GAA. "The key question is how we harness this to our own advantage. We'll be looking to attract back those spectators that wouldn't be regular visitors to Croke Park. We'll also be looking at making more of an impact on overseas visitors.
"Now that there is an enhanced awareness of this wonderful stadium, and now that we have a modern ticketing system in place, it gives us a chance to do that."
Meanwhile, Tyrone's Brian McGuigan has made his return to action after almost a year out with a broken leg. He came on as a substitute in Ardboe's Ulster Senior League clash with Clontibret at the weekend. And he scored a point as his club picked up a win.
McGuigan suffered a double leg break in a club game against Dromore last April, one of several injuries which dogged Tyrone last season. It could be some time yet before McGuigan is back in action for Tyrone.
He has already returned to full training with the squad, and manager Mickey Harte is hoping he will be back playing before the latter stages of the National Football League. "I hope we'll see him back in a month or so. He's back training with the team, he's still got a little bit of pain in the ankle, and he still has a bit of work to do," said Harte.
