Carmel Naughton and Glen Dimplex have agreed to sponsor the Camogie Association and Championships on a five-year deal until 2027.
The Irish-headquartered international manufacturing group, founded by Monaghan-born philanthropist Naughton's husband in the 1970s and now owned by the Naughton family, will act as the All-Ireland Camogie Championships' title sponsor.
Naughton said she had chosen to support the sport as she had "very fond memories" of playing camogie when she was growing up.
"To me camogie is ultimately about community, teamwork and how the energy, drive and passion of a group of people can deliver such dividends that benefit both local and wider society," she added.
The deal was announced at Croke Park on Monday by Rowena McCappin, head of external relations and engagement at Glen Dimplex; Hilda Breslin, Camogie Association president; and Sinéad McNulty, Camogie Association Ard Stiúrthóir.
"I see a synergy between Glen Dimplex’s business and the Camogie Association, given the energy that is exuded on the camogie pitch, and the sport’s role in inspiring and sustaining local communities. We’re all, as a society, on a journey of sustainability for climate and community," McCappin said.
Breslin acknowledged the commitment shown by Naughton and Glen Dimplex in signing a five-year deal. She also welcomed the significance of having an Irish-owned internationally recognised brand associated with the organisation and its competitions:
“We would like to thank Carmel Naughton and Glen Dimplex for their support. We are thrilled to be working alongside an international Irish brand such as Glen Dimplex. This new sponsorship enables us to progress so many important initiatives and allows us to plan for the future. We look forward to working together to grow this wonderful women’s sport," she said.
The Glen Dimplex All-Ireland Camogie Championships will commence on the weekend of 21-22 May, culminating in a triple-header All-Ireland final -- with senior, intermediate and junior deciders -- at Croke Part on Sunday, 7 August.
RTÉ Sport has reached agreement with the Camogie Association on a new multi-year deal running until 2027 which will see a minimum of nine games shown live on RTÉ television each year.
In 2022, the All Ireland Senior, Intermediate and Junior finals will be live on RTÉ2 in a triple-header from Croke Park on Sunday 7th August. The two Senior semi-finals on 24th July and two quarter-finals will also be live on RTÉ2 on weekend of 9/10th July.
Glen Dimplex, which manufactures and sells heating, renewable energy, cooking, cooling and other domestic appliances, had turnover of €793m and made of loss of €10m in 2020, according to its latest financial accounts.
The company was drastically affected by the pandemic, with a number of its sites being forced to close for a period of time due to restrictions.
Glen Dimplex said that sales recovered to pre-pandemic levels in the final months of 2020 and remained steady in early 2021, with the company directors expressing confidence that they could manage the impact of Covid-19.
Photo: Ard Stiúrthóir of the Camogie Association Sinéad McNulty (left); Rowena McCappin of Glen Dimplex, and Hilda Breslin. (Pic: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile)