Laois GAA has a new look and their county grounds have a new name following the signing of the biggest deal yet with local business Laois Hire. The company marks 30 years in business in O’Moore County by taking its brand onto the pitch of play for the next five years.
Managing Director, Michael Killeen described the partnership as “significant” and said “we are thrilled to have this opportunity to become the sponsor of Laois County GAA. We have built our business in this county for over 30 years, close to O’Moore Park, providing livelihoods and spin-offs for local businesses. We have been heavily involved in the GAA for years, and our two brands are very closely aligned.
“The GAA impacts every community across the country. Our impact is similar, we’re both involved at a grassroots level, in communities across Laois and Ireland. This is a perfect relationship that aligns branding, value and purpose.”
O’Moore Park will be renamed Laois Hire O’Moore Park and the first home match of the new season is due to take place on Saturday 5th February. 2023.
“It’s not just a logo on a jersey, or naming rights of a pitch. Our motivation here is to deepen the connection in our community, while supporting the development of club and county,” says Michael Killeen.
Laois GAA Chairperson, PJ Kelly, revealed that the investment by Laois Hire comes with a very focused vision for the county’s development plan.
“Our ambition now is to bring one of Ireland’s busiest and most progressive county grounds to the next level. In 2021 the stadium became the first county grounds outside Croke Park to “go green” with the retrofitting of the existing floodlighting to LED lighting, with another key feature of the ‘green stadium’ initiative being to embrace biodiversity with the plantation of wildflowers and native trees in the venue and adjoining Centre of Excellence.
“This sponsorship will allow us place further investment in our stadium to ensure a specific focus on providing a spectator friendly environment and accommodating the high-profile games we have become accustomed to hosting.
“With the recent appointment of Tom Hargroves as Head of Athletic Development and the positive impact that this investment will have at all levels in Laois GAA, it’s an unprecedented opportunity for us.
“The continued development of our players is a key strategic focus for us and may be the most important partnership for our future development as an organisation. Laois GAA has ambitious plans for our minor, under 20 and senior teams and we believe we have the talent and dedication and now, thanks to this sponsorship deal with Laois Hire, we have the financial resources to make it happen.”
Asked for his impression of the new jersey, Laois Senior Football Captain Evan O’Carroll described it as, “nostalgic with a semblance of the 1990s design, which gives it a real retro look. I think the fans will really like it!”
The new look Laois GAA jersey is available online from oneills.ie and from all sports stores. Local sports outlet Colgan Sports in Portlaoise are hosting an in-store launch event on Wednesday 23rd November from 3pm with hurling and county players in attendance. The public are welcome to attend.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
📸 Photos by Paul Dargan
Captions
Laois 20.jpg– From Left to Right:
Footballer Eoin Lowry, Niall Handy Secretary Laois GAA, Hurler Podge Delaney, Joe Cunningham Coiste na Nog Chairperson, Mattie Collier Coiste Iomána Chairperson, PJ Kelly Chairperson Laois GAA, Keith McCann Specialist Divisional Manager Laois Hire Group, Alan Langton Laois GAA, Michael Killeen Managing Director Laois Hire Group, Footballer Niall Corbett, Catherine Daynes Marketing Manager Laois Hire Group, Hurler Enda Rowland.
Laois 12.jpg – Back row, L-R, Trevor Collins, Seamus Fitzpatrick, Eoin Lowry, Enda Rowland. Front row, Max Sommer Killeen and Seb Sommer Killeen
Promo Video
📹 Publish the new Laois GAA county jersey reveal video on your social networks – access the video at the link below – Credit Paul Dargan / Laois Hire
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/pb90pmjkygmwyq16e84cc/h?dl=0&rlkey=v2skpdrjsm8z4dlhq5kbeck7t
About Laois Hire
Laois Hire was established in Portlaoise in 1992 by Michael Killeen and his wife Maureen.
Over three decades the company has expanded nationwide and grown at phenomenal rates becoming the largest plant and tool hire business in Ireland.
The company joined HSS Hire Group in 2006 and in 2015 the group was floated on the London Stock Exchange with Laois Hire ultimately becoming a PLC.
In another major development in April 2021, Laois Hire Group joined forces with Briggs Equipment Group, a £350m business with numerous business operations across Ireland and the UK.
