DUBS NOT INTERESTED IN SECOND OPTION
DUBLIN will not be taking up the option of an additional sponsor when they broker their latest multi-million euro shirt deal. The GAA has broken new ground by agreeing to extra space on the sleeves and rear of jerseys for a second sponsor’s logos. It’s a response to the difficulties being experienced by cashstrapped clubs and counties who are struggling to finance their activities. However, Dublin chairman Andy Kettle confirmed that the Sky Blues won’t be taking up the option of a second sponsor for 2014. They’re currently seeking a new backer to replace Vodafone, who confirmed their €4.65m deal will terminate after the Championship. Kettle said Dublin are confident of finding an individual sponsor to match the terms, admitting the promise of extra logo space may help seal the deal. ‘I wouldn’t be thinking of a dual sponsorship, no, we’re looking for a single sponsor,’ said Kettle. ‘I think our brand is strong enough. The option is there now for an additional sponsor but the first question counties have to ask is, do they want to go with it? Does the existing sponsor, or the potential one, want to share space on a jersey? ‘Because if they do agree you’re maybe going to get less than what you would have for a single sponsor. ‘If you do go down that route then what you’d be hoping for is that the combined figure of the two would add up to the same, or hopefully more, than the single sponsor. But that’s not the way we’ll be going in Dublin, not at the moment anyway.’ The motion to increase sponsorship options was submitted by Roscommon club Castlerea St Kevins and, following some tweaking, was passed with a 90 per cent backing at Congress. Kettle revealed intriguing estimates which were distributed ahead of Congress about the potential value of the new arrangement. ‘There are figures which show the back of the jersey is potentially worth, financially, about two thirds of the front,’ said Kettle. ‘The sleeve then is worth about half of the front. I believe those figures were sourced from rugby. ‘They come from Frank Murphy [Cork secretary] when he was explaining the potential of [extra] sponsors in a meeting before Congress.’