ESB International signs on as Tour Sponsor
ESB International, which is celebrating 40 years in business this year, announced today (27th February, 2015) that it is once again sponsoring the South Africa Gaels team tour of Ireland. The team, who landed in Ireland today, is the first all-African GAA team which was established five years ago, and is made up of players from the townships of Johannesburg.
This year the men’s team is being joined by the first all-African female South Africa Gaels team. Over the next week, the players who range in age from 17 to 30 years will visit Dublin and Mayo to take part in a variety of GAA training bootcamps, test matches and cultural activities. The teams will then travel from Ireland to represent South Africa in the GAA World Games in Abu Dhabi in two weeks time.
Ollie Brogan, Managing Director, ESB International commented: “We are proud to once again support the South Africa Gaels team on their tour in Ireland. As we celebrate forty years in international business and look back at our growth over that time, what defines us is our partnership approach with clients, which has stood the test of time and our support of local initiatives in the community. Our sponsorship of the South Africa Gaels is a prime example of this.”
He added: “As a company we have strong ties with South Africa, operating in the region since the early 1990s with a head office in Johannesburg. Gaelic sport holds an important place in the community among the young and old here in Ireland and we are looking forward to creating a similar legacy in South Africa.”
During the week-long tour, the South Africa Gaels teams will test their skills against a number of Irish teams including taking part in a unique all-island GAA tournament on Clare Island and a test match against Tourmakeady GAA club in Mayo. The trip will culminate in a test match for the ladies team against the UCD International ladies GAA team and a tough match for the men’s team against an International All Stars GAA team. Their trip will also include many Irish cultural activities in both Mayo and Dublin, to give the teams an insight into the home of GAA.
Follow the South Africa Gaels tour in Ireland on Twitter @ESB_intl #SAGaelsESB
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