IT was the completion of a league and cup double of sorts for Harp Lager yesterday when they confirmed their intention to sponsor the FAI National League for the coming three seasons.
The move ensures that the brand will have a powerful presence in the senior domestic game as it has already backed the FAI Cup for almost a decade. It will now be associated with the League Cup and reserve league competitions.
The move will be particularly welcome for the League as 12 months ago a new backer pulled out at the last minute, forcing it to accept an offer of another year's support from Bord Gais after the company had clearly signalled its desire to move on.
Backing for all of the association's main competitions is now secure for at least the next three years. After this period, Harp will have the option of extending the deal which is believed to be worth considerably more than the £50,000 which the National League brought in last season.
"As anyone involved with the League will be aware, a renaissance has been taking place in the game in recent times. We're delighted to be getting involved as the development of soccer in Ireland continues to build momentum and the fans return to the terraces in ever greater numbers," said Garry McShane of Harp at a reception to announce the new deal in Dublin yesterday.
One of the more novel aspects of the agreement is the restoration of the original League trophy. It was commissioned by Guinness's for presentation to the winners of the Free State League back in 1921, when it was won by the company's own team, St James' Gate. The new sponsorship deal will be in place on Sunday week when a National League selection side take on Manchester United at Tolka Park. The match, which was scheduled to start at 7.30 p.m. has now been moved back to 2.30 p.m. a time which clashes with the Leinster football final up the road at Croke Park.
The team for the match was also announced yesterday and it reflects the dominance of Dublin teams in last year's domestic competitions. There is only one player from outside the capital in the starting line up. The team, which includes three of his players, will be managed by Brain Kerr of St Patrick's Athletic.
This season, meanwhile, Kerr's men will kick off the defence of their title against 1995 champions Dundalk at Oriel park on Friday, September 1st. The next day, newly promoted sides Home Farm and Bray Wanderers face each other at Whitehall Road.
