NEW LOOK DERRY

The dawn of a new era in Derry GAA was marked last Wednesday evening at the O'Neill's Superstore in Magherafelt with the launch of the new look jersey.  When the 2016 season gets into full swing Derry camogie, football and hurling teams will proudly have new H&A sponsor logo emblazoned across their chest. 

The new look Derry Jersey

The market for GAA gear has gone through the roof in recent times and is the staple fashion accessory of many, highlighting the marketing power of the GAA, as Derry PRO Dermot McPeake indicates with his #MoreThanAJersey mantra.  On Wednesday night the  Derry GAA public got a first glimpse of the new geansaí and no doubt there will be quite a few under Christmas trees around the county next month. 

Once the festive season is over the serious business will begin.  By trade H&A are Heating and Building Specialists and when the lights go on at Owenbeg in the new year the foundations for 2016 will be put in place.  Hugh and Anne are fanatical and terrific supporters of all things GAA and Derry Chairman Brian Smith expressed this gratitude to have them on board. 

Derry's New Sponsor - H&A Mechanical

"I would like to thank Hugh and Anne McWilliams and all at H&A for their dedicated and generous support of Derry GAA. I want to wish them well with all their business endeavours for the year ahead." In the current climate local firms give great stability to the local economy and provide employment for a lot of people playing in and in the organisation of our games.  Smith went on to highlight the influence of O'Neill's. 

"We are proud to be associated with O'Neill's Sportswear - a local company and a major employer here in the North West - and I would urge everyone to support both O'Neills and H&A with their business and recognition. On a personal note, I want to thank managing director Kieran Kennedy and his staff for their professional assistance in the design and production of our new jersey." 

Also the Desertmartin clubman highlighted his excitement in the year ahead.  "I want to wish everyone who wears the red and white of our county, and our management teams, the very best of luck for 2016. I know they will wear this new jersey with pride and an appreciation of the legacy that they carry on, representing their clubs, county and community." 

Dunloy native Tom McLean will remain at the helm of the senior hurlers and will have an initial aim of going one better in the Christy Ring Cup and has recruited a considerable Slaughtneil contingent to bolster his squad ahead of that challenge.  Perhaps 2016 is going to the year that Derry hurlers get over that line. 

In camogie Derry have made terrific progress in recent times at both school, club and county level.   H&A gave the  camogie board terrific backing and this will continue  as part of their sponsorship deal.  

In the 'big ball' game there will be a new leader on board in the form of former Derry player Damian Barton.  As a player he was stylish, tough and ultra competitive and will demand the same characteristics from his squad when pull on their new kit for the start of the season. 

It's ironic that Derry's kit will be made in Tyrone and come May 22nd in Celtic Park, die hard Tyrone native Kieran Kennedy will be at the heart of kitting out the Oak Leaf teams but acknowledged Derry GAA for supporting the local economy. 

"On behalf of O'Neill's Irish International Sports Co. Ltd, I would like to offer our sincere thanks to the Derry County chair Brian Smith and the Derry county committee for their continued partnership with O'Neills.  Derry is one of our most popular jerseys, constantly in demand not only at home but worldwide." 

The role of local business to the community was not lost on Kennedy.  "We also welcome H&A to this sponsorship partnership. Like ourselves H&A are a local company providing reliable secure employment to local people. In the current economic climate, where jobs are under threat, securing local jobs by supporting local business is at the core of the GAA. Community." 

"Our workforce in Strabane now stands at over 440. Hugh and Anne McWilliams employ more than 300 people in H&A. Between our two businesses, that is a substantial and important investment in the local economy here in the North West. We are both very much part of the community." 

A lot of successful teams have the mantra of 'leaving the jersey in a better place than you found it' and when the ever popular Colm McGuigan is hanging these new jerseys in dressing rooms across the country Derry Gaels will be hoping it will include Clones and Croke Park, where the real action takes place.   

Derry are in partnership with two successful businesses and Smith, McLean and Barton will be hoping the new look jersey sees plenty of action when the business end of the season is in full flow.