Allianz, the world's largest insurer, has taken over as sponsor of both the GAA's football and hurling leagues from its subsidiary Church & General. The new deal extends the group's partnership with the GAA to ten years. At the launch of the 2000/2001 Allianz Football League today, Mr. Sean McCague, President, Cumann Luthchleas Gael, said: "I am delighted that Church & General, through their parent company Allianz, are extending their support for and association with the Leagues to ten years. They continue to be of great importance and are countrywide, the best-supported sporting competitions, in their seasons." Mr McCague also revealed today that all primary school children will be admitted for free into league games.
The Allianz Football League will commece on October 29th with the first of three pre-Christmas series of games. Among the highlights on the opening day of the Allianz football league programme will be the clash of newly crowned All-Ireland champions, Kerry and Louth, who won Division Two of the National League last May. It will be Louth's first venture into Division One for several seasons but they could hardly have drawn a tougher opening game than an away clash with Kerry. Defending League champions, Derry will be away to Mayo on opening day, while Meath, who were runners-up to Derry last season, will be away to Clare. Beaten All-Ireland finalists, Galway will be away to Roscommon, who are now managed by former Galway star, John Tobin. The Allianz Hurling League begins in February 2001.
Filed by Amanda Fennelly
