MediaPLUS is your weekly update on all that matters in media and marketing
The Curragh Racecourse has announced Coca-Cola HBC as its new soft drink and water partner on a two-year deal.
The racecourse will offer the full range of Coca-Cola products, including locally produced Deep RiverRock.
“We are delighted that our racing fans who come from all over the world to experience The Curragh’s world class horseracing will now be able to enjoy a broad range of Coca-Cola HBC products and experiences," said Evan Arkwright, racing and sponsorship manager at The Curragh.
“Coca-Cola’s global reputation for quality and refreshment aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver an outstanding race day experience for our visitors".
Bernard Donohoe, National Account Manager at Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland, said: “Our aim is to enhance the hospitality experience for racegoers with our diverse range of products.
“We look forward to serving the patrons of The Curragh, and contributing to the vibrant atmosphere of this iconic racecourse."
Wireless Ireland rebrands as Onic
Wireless Ireland, the operator of radio stations such as Dublin’s FM104, Q102, Cork’s 96FM and C103, has rebranded as Onic.
The group's representative sales house, urbanmedia, will also be renamed Onic.
Additionally, the group will launch new POD and VOD offerings under the Onic Originals banner, including podcasts hosted by Kathryn Thomas of Q102 and Thomas 'Crossy' Crosse of FM104.
Onic, which is part of the Rupert Murdoch-controlled News UK & Ireland, will also launch the Onic App and Player, bringing together all its audio, podcast and visualised content.
"Onic will be a beacon for authenticity and trusted quality content," said Sean Barry, managing director of Onic.
"Every day, our audiences welcome us into their lives and allow us to share their day. Individually and collectively, at home or on the go, we are their trusted companion, connecting in a deep and meaningful way. We never take this for granted.
"Onic is a new force in Irish media, building on a brilliant heritage, setting the standard for audio and video content in the years to come.
"We are excited to bring together a raft of authentic and talented voices, accelerating progressive innovation and driving engagement and connection across our audiences.”
Tobin becomes dmg media Ireland native content editor
Sarah-Jayne Tobin has been promoted to native content editor at dmg media Ireland.
"Since joining dmg media Ireland three years ago, I’ve been a proud team member pushing our brands to grow, each, a market leader, changing the way people consume information," said Tobin.
"I’m passionate about content creation. It’s such an exciting time right now and with the industry ever-changing, the possibilities are endless.
"I’m thrilled to have an opportunity to work with some of the brightest and best across our digital, print and broadcast platforms and of course, our innovative and exciting clients."
Tobin has worked in journalism and public relations during her career, presenting for UTV, RTÉ News, Dublin's 98FM and Newstalk and working in accounts for Comit and Harris PR.
She joined dmg media in early 2022 and has worked as a content editor, journalist and broadcaster across several of the publisher's titles in print and online.
Kearney to edit Sunday Independent
Liz Kearney has been announced as the new editor of the Sunday Independent, replacing Alan English when he departs at the end of April.
Kearney has served as head of features at the newspaper's publisher, Mediahuis Ireland, since May 2023, and she was formerly editor of the Sunday Independent's People & Culture magazine.
She also spent seven years as features editor of the Irish Independent and the Herald from 2015 to 2022, prior to which she was a production executive and writer with the Indo.
Kearney, who holds a BA in English & Philosophy from Trinity College Dublin, started her career in journalism with the Bray People.
"Being appointed editor of the Sunday Independent is a tremendous honour and privilege and I am really excited to take up the role," said Kearney.
"The title's team of reporters and editors are among the best anywhere and I look forward to working closely with them as we continue to evolve our journalism for the digital era."
NFL's Chiefs and Packers turn attention to Ireland
The Kansas City Chiefs and the Green Bay Packers will start marketing to fans in Ireland as part of the NFL's Global Markets Program.
Under the Global Markets Program, the American football league authorises teams to build brand awareness and fandom in countries outside the US through fan engagement, events, commercial opportunities and flag football development.
The Chiefs and Packers join the Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers in holding rights to market in Ireland, and the Steelers are due to play at Croke Park later this year in what will be the first competitive NFL game to take place in Ireland.
“Ireland continues to be an important market for the NFL, as we look to play our first-ever regular season game in 2025 at Croke Park in Dublin,” said Henry Hodgson, general manager of NFL UK & Ireland.
The Kansas City Chiefs and the Green Bay Packers, two of the most decorated teams in American football, have been granted rights to market themselves in Ireland as part of the NFL's Global Markets Program (GMP).
Launched in 2022, the GMP awards NFL teams international marketing rights to build brand awareness and fandom outside the US through fan engagement, events, commercial opportunities and flag football development.
A total of 29 teams will engage in 21 international markets this year, up from 25 in 19 markets in 2024.
The Chiefs and Packers join the Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers in holding rights to market in Ireland, and the Steelers are due to play at Croke Park later this year in what will be the first competitive NFL game to take place in Ireland.
“Ireland continues to be an important market for the NFL, as we look to play our first-ever regular season game in 2025 at Croke Park in Dublin,” said Henry Hodgson, general manager of NFL UK & Ireland.
“The Chiefs and the Packers are fantastic additions to our Global Markets Program teams in-market, providing continuous opportunities for fans to engage with our sport and with the NFL as we grow across the country.”
The Chiefs and the Packers are two of the most popular and successful teams in the NFL and have each won the Super Bowl four times.
The Chiefs have been crowned NFL champions three times since 2019, and reached a new level of public awareness when their veteran tight end Travis Kelce started dating pop superstar Taylor Swift two years ago.
Iarnród Éireann: 190 Years on Track is brand alignment at its best
Every week, Amárach and Future Proof Insights share exclusive findings from their PRIZM+ ad testing service showcasing best practice creative advertising in Ireland.
From the very first frame of Iarnród Éireann's latest ad, it’s clear this isn’t just another heritage campaign.
The ad’s strength lies in how it balances past and present—not just visually, but cognitively.
To find out more click HERE.
Photo: (l-r) Evan Arkwright (Racing and Sponsorship Manager, Curragh Racecourse) with Gary Rothery (Area Sales Manager Coca Cola Hellenic) and Bernard Donohoe (National Account Manager Coca Cola Hellenic).
