Clara GAA announce historic sponsorship deal with Shane Lowry

CLARA GAA Club have secured a historic sponsorship deal with the town's most famous son. For the first time in their long and distinguished history, Offaly's oldest club will sport the name of a sponsor on their jerseys.

A pub and restaurant co-owned by professional golf superstar, Shane Lowry have come on board as the main club sponsor. 2019 British Open winner Lowry and business partner Alan Clancy are the owners of “The Old Warehouse” in the former Tullamore Dew Visitors Centre beside the Grand Canal in the centre of town.

A former underage player with Clara before golf took an understandable hold, Lowry's golfing exploits has put the “Little Town” on the world map and this partnership touches a lot of buttons for the local GAA Club.

Lowry is their club president and his passion for Clara and Offaly GAA has been demonstrated throughout his golf career.

Putting a sponsors'name on their jerseys is crossing a Rubicon of sorts for Clara GAA, who resisted going down this road until now. Formed in 1884 and the oldest club in Leinster, they are very proud of their history and tradition and are marking their 140^th anniversary this year.

The deal launching‘The Old Warehouse’ as sponsor and club patron is a collaborative effort with ‘As I Am’, an autism charity in Ireland.

Clara GAA Club will be engaging with the autism charity in pro-active ways. They organised an All-Stars Camp which ran over the Easter Holidays and was a camp for Neurodivergent children and children with additional needs. This camp was a joint venture between Clara GAA Club and Clara LGFA Club. It was a great four days of fun, laughter and memorable moments. This is an initiative they will continue as they strive to be a fully inclusive club.

There have been closer bonds between Clara GAA and LGFA Clubs in recent years. Both the boys’ and girls’ nursery training has also joined together and it is hoped these are the first steps on a journey towards a true one club model where all the boys and girls in our community can feel part of their club and community.

While all of this has been going on, Clara GAA have launched our Green2McLean fundraiser in partnership with Clara LGFA Club and Clara Athletics Club. McLean refers to McLean Avenue in Yonkers, New York, a famous centre of social life for many Clara and Offaly emigrants in the city. Like most other clubs, Clara has emigrants all over the world and the aim of the fundraiser is to bring all those Clara people who are no longer at home together in an initiative to develop their impressive grounds on the Kilbeggan Road in Clara.

They chose to cover the distance from The Green in Clara to McLean Ave, about 5000km. They are asking Clara people all over the world to run or walk five/ten kilometres, or whatever they can, in whatever part of the world they are in to help them collectively cover the distance from The Green to McLean. People at home will run together from The Green to the Clara GAA grounds on Sunday 5^th May at 2pm.

Donations to this can be made via: www.green2mclean.com.

The aim is to raise funds to develop the grounds for the benefit of the whole community. In addition to the GAA and ladies football teams, the facilities are also used by Clara Athletics Club and a new walking/running track is being provided around the pitches. It is planned to have the walking track fully floodlit to provide a safe space for the community addition to erecting new floodlight on the main pitch.

The ambitious plans include provision of a community gym on the grounds and, later, a spectator stand on the main pitch – the stand will be accessible for those with disabilities. Planning permission is being sought for all of the work involved. In partnership with some other generous sponsors, work has already begun work on paving the grounds, erecting new fencing and they have put in a new scoreboard.

Clara GAA Club want to extend their gratitude to those individuals and businesses who have partnered supported them already and would appreciate all other backing. Their excellent facilities are now located at the former Convent building and lands, adjacent to land they already owned at Pairc Prionsias – they bought the Convent buildings and lands in a stunning deal several years ago.

In a statement unveiling the deal with the Old Warehouse last week, Clara GAA Club outlined:

“Today marks a momentous occasion for our club as we unveil not only our stunning new jerseys but also a groundbreaking partnership that not only strengthens our GAA club but also uplifts our community in profound ways! We're delighted to introduce ‘The Old Warehouse’ as our esteemed sponsor & club patron alongside a collaborative effort with ‘As I Am’, Ireland’s autism charity.

“At the heart of our club's ethos lies a commitment to inclusivity and community engagement. With “The Old Warehouse’ generously supporting us, and in tandem with our collaboration with ‘As I Am’, we are embarking on a journey that transcends the boundaries of sports.

“The Old Warehouse’ brings a wealth of experience and dedication to our partnership, embodying values that resonate deeply with our club's mission. Together, we aim to foster a sense of belonging and empowerment among our players, supporters, and the wider community.

“In addition to our sponsorship agreement, our collaboration with ‘As I Am’ amplifies our impact by promoting additional needs awareness and inclusion. Through joint initiatives and programs, we are dedicated to creating a more understanding and supportive environment for individuals and families affected by additional needs.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Club President Shane Lowry and his business partner Alan Clancy from ‘The Old Warehouse’ for their visionary support and to ‘As I Am’ for their invaluable partnership. Together, we are poised to make a tangible difference, both on and off the field.

“Special thanks to our players Cathal, Cormac, Niall, and Scott for their fantastic modeling skills. Aaron and James from ‘The Old Warehouse’ for having us, and let's not forget Shania and Darragh, who’s smiles brought an extra sense of joy to our photo shoot. Both recent attendees at our Clara GAA All Stars camp, they exemplify the inclusivity and warmth that define our community. Thank you for sharing your smiles and spirit with us.

“As we unveil our new jerseys adorned with the logos of ‘The Old Warehouse’ and ‘As I Am’, let us remember the values they represent: unity, support, and inclusion. Together, we are stronger, and together, we will continue to make a difference.”