The Portroe ‘takeover’ as Tipp unveil new sponsors

LEADING global public relations and consultancy firm Teneo will sponsor all Tipperary inter-county teams from 2019, taking over from Intersport Elverys who have been in place since 2015.

Teneo’s chairman, CEO and co-founder is Declan Kelly, who, like the current Tipperary manager Liam Sheedy, is a native of Portroe.

They are lifelong friends and Sheedy’s return to the position triggered Teneo’s involvement.

Kelly, a brother of Labour TD Alan, will also establish and chair a commercial board that will help with the development of Sheedy’s squad during his time there.

“The ability to tap into the strategic talents of one of the world’s leading advisory firms will be hugely beneficial,” said Tipperary chairman John Devane.

“Teneo’s partnership will assist us to further Tipperary GAA both on and off the field, and to create sustainable support and structures to encourage participation at all levels and imbed a culture of excellence.

“Teneo will be much more than a jersey sponsor and very much a strategic partner.”

Graduated

Meanwhile, Brian McGrath will join brothers Noel and John on the 40-man Tipperary squad that Sheedy has announced for pre-season training.

McGrath is one of 12 members of the All-Ireland U-21-winning team that are included in the senior set-up.

Jake Morris and Ger Browne had already graduated this year and will now be followed by the youngest McGrath, Paddy Cadell, Cian Darcy, Jerome Cahill, Mark Kehoe, Killian O’Dwyer, Colin English, Robert Byrne, Barry Hogan and Dillon Quirke.

The core of the 2010 All-Ireland U-21 winning team, which has been involved in two All-Ireland senior titles, remain including Pádraic, Patrick and Brendan Maher, Noel McGrath and John O’Dwyer.

Quirke is a member of county champions Clonoulty-Rossmore and will be joined on the squad by his clubmate Conor Hammersley.