DESPITE DUBLIN County Board chief executive John Costello setting a November 1st deadline for the announcement of a new sponsor, the board remains confidant a new deal will be in place before the National League’s start next spring.

There will be an obvious short-term loss of revenue by not producing the 2010 jersey for the Christmas market but the primary goal is to secure a long-term agreement to replace the 18-year relationship with Arnotts that ended recently. “Ideally, it would be good to have a sponsor and a new jersey for the Christmas market and we are working towards that, but this is far from the main priority,” said Costello.

“The most important objective is to get a sponsorship partner who we can work closely with over the next four to five years and we would rather wait until February next year to agree a deal with the right company rather than be rushed into a deal for all the wrong reasons.”

Current negotiations are believed to be ongoing with potential sponsors from the financial and retail sectors along with interest from the mobile phone industry. However, an alcohol company or bookmaking firm remain viable alternatives. This would require a “sub sponsor” for age-grade teams.

“Ideally, this sponsorship will be for the whole of Dublin GAA and every team, but there is a possibility that a sponsor may only take the senior teams and a sub sponsor may take the underage teams,” Costello continued.

An €800,000-a-year deal, that could move up to €1 million depending on performances and bonuses, would ideally be signed for a five-year period. Any notion of splitting sponsors for football and hurling has been dismissed.

“There has been significant interest all along during this process, but the issue for Dublin is finding an appropriate fit. We are seeking a blue-chip long-term partner with a track record in sponsorship which incorporates every team from under-13 to senior. Dublin are seeking a sponsor who will work with them to promote GAA in the capital in all communities. The new sponsor will help fund over 50 games promotions officers who work in schools and clubs throughout the county in all areas.”