GAELIC FOOTBALL:GALWAY FOOTBALLERS have teamed up with a charity in a novel way of making up for the loss of their main sponsor.
Cancer Care West will appear on the front of the Galway football jerseys for the first time in Croke Park next Sunday when they take on Cavan in the All-Ireland Under-21 final.
Aer Arann, which came out of examinership in October, ended its sponsorship of Galway teams before Christmas. The company was Galway’s main sponsor for three seasons and was expected to be on board for the next two years.
Galway officials have struggled to find a replacement sponsor since then and have now entered into a novel agreement with Cancer Care West, with details of the new arrangement to be unveiled this evening in Galway by GAA president Christy Cooney.
The chairman of Galway football board, John Joe Holleran, said a major fundraising drive will be built around a sponsored walk and the proceeds would then be split between Cancer Care West and the Galway footballers.
“We see this as a partnership rather than a sponsorship. There is hardly a family in this country that has not been affected by cancer and we think it is great that the GAA and an organisation such as Cancer Care West can link up and help each other,” said Holleran.
He said they had been unable to secure a replacement sponsor when Aer Arann discontinued their backing and that prompted them to explore other avenues. Galway were the only team in the league without a sponsor.
“Barcelona soccer team have Unicef on the front of their jerseys. We were unable in the current environment to find a replacement sponsor so it is great that we can now do this and also help the victims of cancer.
“We will organise one big fund-raiser. All of the clubs in the county will be involved in it and the proceeds will then be divided between Cancer Care West and ourselves. We see it as a situation where both parties stand to gain.
“Galway football will benefit from the finance generated and at the same time we will be helping the victims of cancer.
“It is also great that this unique partnership will be unveiled on Sunday in Croke Park when we take on Cavan in the Under-21 final. It’s a great way to start,” added Holleran.
Cancer Care West was set up in 1993 and provides a support service for cancer patients and their families.
