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 The cream of the GAA world are wearing PUMA gear in 2005, l/r: Dara O’Cinneide, Kerry; Oisin McConville, Armagh; Henry Shefflin, Kilkenny; Ross Munnelly, Laois; Stephen O’Shaughnessy, Dublin; Ciaran Whelan, Dublin; Paul Clancy, Galway; Mark Vaughan, Dublin; Trevor Mortimer, Mayo; Bryan Cullen, Dublin and John Mullane, Waterford |
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On June 26th, 2003, PUMA became the first global sportswear company to sign individual sponsorship agreements with six of the most high profile players in Gaelic Games. At the time, legendary hurler DJ Carey commented: “PUMA is a very strong brand within the GAA and I am delighted to be part of this initiative. I commend PUMA for taking a pro-active step in terms of giving something back to the players.” Two years on, and PUMA has continued to build on its reputation of breaking the mould in the global sports market. The group of players that were involved in this landmark deal almost 2 years ago to the day, included Kilkenny Hurling star Henry Shefflin and All-Ireland winning Kerry captain Dara O’Cinneide, both of whom were present at the launch. Speaking at the announcement, Henry Shefflin (Kilkenny) expressed his satisfaction with his agreement with PUMA. “When I signed with PUMA in 2003, it was unknown territory for GAA players and there was a fair bit of controversy at the time about the deal. I never could have imagined that two years later I would be a part of a stable of GAA players that now boasts over 20 of the biggest names in the game.” Shefflin added, “The PUMA King football boot has massive heritage in both hurling and gaelic football and I am sure that the revolutionary new PUMA King Exec boot will take the GAA market by storm.” Dublin’s Ciaran Whelan, who is a new addition to the PUMA stable commented, “When I was approached by the brand in the run up to this years championship I was really excited about the plans PUMA has for the GAA market going forward. Its no secret that the PUMA KING boot has been the boot of choice for GAA players for generations. However, since testing the revolutionary new King Exec over the past few weeks, I believe that PUMA have a boot that will become a clear market leader. Whelan continued: “The King Exec incorporates the technical features of a running shoe and relies on the key elements of flexibility, a unique anatomic fit and minimal weight combined with traction and comfort. PUMA are also using a unique light-weight leather which has never before been used in football by any brand.” Commenting on the announcement, Mr Richard Callaway, Teamsports Marketing Manager Puma UK, said that he was particularly pleased that PUMA have built long lasting relationships with some of the most high profile GAA stars in the country. He added: “PUMA has always had a strong presence in Gaelic Games. Two years ago the PUMA brand broke the mould by becoming the first global sports brand to sign sponsorship contracts with leading GAA players. Last year, we built on this by becoming the first major sports brand to produce a full range of highly innovative gloves specifically designed for Gaelic football. “The new players that we have signed this season represent an excellent blend of youth and experience and we are delighted to align our brand with their success.” Its no secret that PUMA has been the leading footwear brand in Gaelic Games for more than a generation and with the new King Exec boot, in conjunction with the innovative PUMA King super light gaelic glove, PUMA are showing their determination to service the GAA market. All of PUMAs contracted GAA players shall all wear the newly developed King Exec boot for the remainder of the 2005 All-Ireland championships. |
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