Boost for Connacht

[Mauler]

http://www.aerarann.com/about_us/news.htm#rugby

CONNACHT RUGBY SET TO SOAR AS AER ARANN COME ON BOARD
Connacht Rugby has received a timely boost ahead of the new season with Aer Arann coming on board as an associate sponsor of the side.
”We are delighted to welcome Aer Arann on board for the new season. We have
watched this progressive Galway company grow over the years to become a
major player in the aviation industry, very much what we are trying to do in a rugby context,” said Connacht Rugby CEO Gerry Kelly. “This is an important season for Connacht Rugby and it is heartening that such quality top-line companies have come on board to support us.” he added.

This is the first major rugby sponsorship deal for Aer Arann, which operates
over 600 flights per week across 39 routes in Ireland, the UK and France. Commenting on the announcement Garry Cullen, Managing Director, Aer Arann said: “We are delighted to be coming on board as official sponsor of Connacht Rugby. We have experienced huge growth from the West of Ireland in the past few years operating services from Galway, Knock and Sligo airports and we continue to look for new opportunities for development from these airports which form a key part of our overall route network.”

“We very much welcome the opportunity to get involved in the local community and it is a particular honour to sponsor such a progressive team from our home province. We look forward to working with Connacht Rugby throughout the season and wish them every success,” he said.

Aer Arann will join main sponsors Bank of Ireland, who recently announced a new two-year extension to their sponsorship, and associate sponsors Day¹s Hotel, as the primary backers of Connacht Rugby for the new season. The logos of all three companies will appear on the Connacht playing shirt with Bank of Ireland on the front, Day’s Hotel on the right sleeve and Aer Arann on the back.

Connacht will open their Magners League campaign away to Borders on September 3 and will then have seven home matches on the trot, including their opening game of the European Challenge Cup against Harlequins. The first of the home games in the Magners League will take place on Friday, September 8th, against Neath-Swansea Ospreys and in the following weeks Llanelli Scarlets, Edinburgh Gunners, Leinster, Ulster, and Newport Gwent Dragons will visit the Sportsground. Connacht will open their European Challenge Cup campaign when they entertain NEC Harlequins at the Sportsground on Friday, October 20th. Season tickets are on sale on http://www.connachtrugby.ie and at the Connacht Branch headquarters at the Sportsground, College Road, Galway. Commercial Manager, Fiona Keys, says that season ticket sales have been very encouraging. “The season tickets are good value and with so many games at home in the early part of the season, supporters have been availing of the opportunity to get behind the side from the start,” she said.