Dessie Hutchinson, Niamh O'Sullivan, Rory Beggan, and Áine Keane pictured at the launch of #TheToughest AIB 2024/2025 Club Championships.
AIB has today teamed up with a number of GAA, Camogie, and LGFA players to mark its 34th year supporting the AIB GAA All-Ireland Club Championship, its 12th year of backing the AIB Camogie All-Ireland Club Championships, and to proudly commence its sponsorship of the All-Ireland Ladies’ Football Club Championship.
Players Niamh O’Sullivan, Áine Keane, Rory Beggan and Dessie Hutchinson joined AIB today to launch another thrilling season of #TheToughest championships in Gaelic Games. This season marks a historic milestone, as AIB celebrates the toughest players across all codes – the first time a single sponsor has united Gaelic Football, Hurling, Camogie and Ladies Football under one banner. With county championships nearing completion, we've already witnessed a breathtaking tapestry of skill, grit major upsets and thrilling wins across four codes. AIB is proud to stand alongside these athletes who embody the heart and soul of their communities. Week after week, they leave it all on the field, fueled by passion, dedication, and an unyielding pride that runs generations deep.
On what is a historic AIB Club Championship launch with the addition of the LGFA, Niamh O’Sullivan (Dunshaughlin & Royal Gaels) comes on board as an ambassador following back-to-back Meath County titles in 2023 and 2024. Having exited the Leinster competition early in 2023 to eventual winners Kilmacud Crokes, the recently retired inter-county star will be gunning for a longer, even stronger campaign this season.
From Galway and St. Thomas’ we have Áine Keane joining us as an ambassador. The tenacious defender has been excellent for college, county, and club this season – and will be looking to overturn the run of Sarsfields, who have won the last seven Galway Senior Camogie Championships. Keane and her colleagues will be hoping to mimic the form of their clubmates on the hurling side, whose season ended with the elusive All-Ireland Club Hurling crown in 2023.
A return to club action for seasoned veteran Rory Beggan, Scotstown GAA and Monaghan, has found them in another Monaghan SFC Final against old rivals Clontibret. Beggan has been a force for his club over the last few seasons, scoring two points in their recent county semi-final and instrumental in their win over an experienced Kilcoo side in 2023.
Dessie Hutchinson joins us as Ballygunner celebrate their 11th consecutive Waterford SHC title. Hutchinson, having scored 1-4 at their last fixture in Fraher field, and his teammates will be looking forward to the test of retaining their Munster Senior Hurling Championship crown in the coming weeks, where they will meet the eventual winners of the Limerick SHC Final.
Speaking at today’s launch, AIB Chief Executive Colin Hunt said “AIB is proud to continue supporting the AIB All-Ireland Club Championships for the 34th season, our 12th year in partnership with the Camogie Association, and we are excited to begin this new journey with the LGFA. Club Championships truly bring to life the passion and commitment of all who are involved in communities the length and breadth of the country. We are looking forward to another thrilling season of action across all codes and wish all the teams the very best of luck.”
Speaking at the launch, Uachtarán Cumann Peil Gael na mBan, Mícheál Naughton said: "We are thrilled to welcome AIB as title sponsors of the All-Ireland Ladies Club Football Championships. This partnership signifies a monumental step forward for the LGFA, uniting four codes of Gaelic Games under AIB's #TheToughest banner. We are incredibly grateful for AIB's commitment to showcasing the dedication, skill, and the incredibly high standards on display at club level, and we are confident that this partnership will further elevate the profile of the LGFA and continue to inspire future generations of players across the country."
Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael, Jarlath Burns stated: “Another action-packed AIB GAA All-Ireland Club Championships awaits, as clubs nationwide represent their communities, families and friends with pride. Our GAA clubs are central to our DNA, contributing to who we are across all facets of our lives, and the opportunity to achieve and celebrate with your club, family and community cannot be taken for granted. AIB understands the power of sport to unite and inspire. Their unwavering support for Gaelic Games, now across all four codes, is a testament to their commitment to our communities and our shared future. The experiences around games, the comradery, the pride of supporters who follow the club into provincial and national competition, make the AIB Club Championship such an integral part of our culture and identity.”
Speaking at the launch, Uachtarán an Cumann Camógaíochta, Brian Molloy said: “It is wonderful to begin the season celebrating 12 years of AIB’s support of the Camogie All-Ireland Club Championships. The launch of our 12th year clearly demonstrates AIB’s commitment to our game and the wider GAA Community. Through this support, the profile of camogie continues to grow and innovate each year, something we saw last season with the introduction of Meet #TheToughest, which gave a new perspective on the sport we love. We are very much looking forward to the Championship in what is sure to be another very exciting season of Club Camogie.”