Bank of Ireland announces official sponsorship of DCU GAA Academy

Bank of Ireland has signed an agreement to become the new official sponsor of the DCU GAA Academy. The five-year deal commences immediately and will see the Bank of Ireland brand arrive on players and grounds in the coming weeks.

The DCU GAA Academy was established in 2006 to provide elite level Gaelic footballers with the opportunity to develop their sporting and academic careers in a supportive environment. DCU recognises that University sport forms an integral part of the social and educational lives of the campus community and the programmes ensure that the athletes are in a position to achieve sporting success both during and after their time at the college.

Making the announcement, Gabriel Bannigan, Director, Retail Strategy & Marketing at Bank of Ireland and former Monaghan county player, said: “Bank of Ireland has an impressive record of supporting GAA at Championship level for several decades and this new sponsorship gives us a unique opportunity to invest in the development of the next generation of talented players that will keep this wonderful game of ours centre stage. As the leading bank for students in Ireland this sponsorship is an excellent fit for both parties. We look forward to a terrific association with DCU who are at the forefront in developing Ireland’s leading centre of sporting excellence.”

Commenting on the announcement Declan Brennan, Director of the DCU GAA Academy, said: “DCU currently has 79 GAA players from 22 Counties in its Sports Academy. We are delighted that Bank of Ireland has joined us as sponsors. Our ambition is to see all our footballers graduate with a quality education in their chosen field and to provide them with the facilities, scientific and medical support to help them to fulfil their potential as players. Bank of Ireland’s support will allow us to continue to educate, nurture and develop some of the country’s most exciting young footballers.”