Sligo GAA, Sligo Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA) and biopharmaceutical company AbbVie marked the continuance of their sponsorship arrangements at a recent photoshoot at Rosses Point, Sligo.

AbbVie’s ongoing partnership with both organisations involves the AbbVie logo appearing on the Senior ladies’ football team jerseys, as well as the Sligo men’s county GAA Senior and U-21 football team jerseys.

Members of both senior squads showcased recently updated jerseys, which both feature the AbbVie logo, at a joint photoshoot at Deadman’s Pier, Rosses Point, Sligo. It was the first time that both teams were photographed together in their respective new strips.

This long-term sporting partnership further underscores the biopharma company’s support of local communities and sports organisations, whilst demonstrating a firm commitment to equity, equality, diversity and inclusion (EED&I) practices, both inside and outside of the organisation.

AbbVie’s ongoing partnership with the Sligo LGFA and Sligo GAA also means that it remains the only multinational pharmaceutical company in Ireland to support an inter-county team in either code regardless of gender.

AbbVie has two facilities in Sligo, one in Ballytivnan and the other at Manorhamilton Road. Many of the company’s 400-plus employees are currently involved in GAA and the LGFA or have previously played the sport at various levels.  

Commenting on the ongoing sponsorship, Michael Gallagher, Site Director AbbVie Ballytivnan, Sligo said: “We are delighted to be extending our existing sporting partnerships with Sligo GAA and Sligo LGFA and wish the management and teams the very best in the coming season and beyond. AbbVie has been a strong supporter of the game over the past number of years and this unique partnership forms part of AbbVie’s ongoing commitment to improve the health and well-being of local communities.”

Georges El-Damaa, Site Director AbbVie Manorhamilton Road, Sligo added: “Embracing equity, equality, diversity and inclusion (EED&I) is fundamental to AbbVie and we hope that our continued support of Sligo LGFA and Sligo GAA will help to showcase and foster the incredible sporting talent that exists across the county.”

Chairperson of Sligo LGFA, Raymond Carden thanked AbbVie for their support and said: 

"In my role as Chairperson of Sligo LGFA, I am that delighted that AbbVie continues to support Sligo LGFA and their collaboration with us benefits Ladies' football in the county as a whole. AbbVie’s commitment to Ladies Football further demonstrates their commitment to equity, diversity, equality, and inclusion. Their support of Sligo GAA lends itself to even more connections as we work together to create GAA/LGFA opportunities for all.

“Sligo LGFA County Executive strives to increase participation at all levels in Ladies Football in County Sligo while continuing to grow the support and interest of the wider community. We are grateful to AbbVie for their support and belief in our organisation.”

Sean Carroll, Chairperson, Sligo GAA said: “We are very pleased to renew this partnership with AbbVie, a world class organisation with an important presence in Sligo. Sligo GAA is ambitious to improve its position and build on the underage successes of recent years. That takes a concerted commitment to high standards and the continuing support of a high-quality partner like AbbVie gives us confidence to continue that process and we look forward to results that are of benefit to both.”