University announces new Gaelic Games sponsorship with Supermac’s

Monday, 2 November 2026

University of Galway
Pat McDonagh, Founder and Managing Director of Supermac’s; Gavin Lee, University of Galway Hurling Scholar; Eva Noone, University of Galway Ladies Football Scholar; Matthew Thompson, University of Galway Men’s Football Scholar; and Des Ryan, Director of Sport and Physical Wellbeing, University of Galway. Photo: Conor Lyall

University of Galway has announced a new sponsorship partnership with Supermac’s, marking a significant investment in the development of Gaelic Games at the University.

The sponsorship will provide valuable support to the University's Men's Football, Ladies Football and Hurling programmes, including new playing jerseys, team kit and essential resources.

The investment will help strengthen the clubs, enhance the student-athlete experience and support the continued development of Gaelic Games at the University of Galway.

At the official launch, the University showcased newly designed Gaelic Games jerseys, produced by McKeever Sports, the new official kit supplier for University of Galway Gaelic Games.

Founded in Ballinasloe, Co. Galway, in 1978 by Pat McDonagh, Supermac’s has grown into one of Ireland’s most recognisable indigenous businesses, with a strong commitment to supporting Irish sport and the communities in which it operates.

The new partnership with University of Galway represents a further extension of that commitment, supporting the next generation of players as they balance their academic studies with their sporting ambitions.

Des Ryan, Director of Sport and Physical Wellbeing at University of Galway, said: "We are delighted to announce this new partnership with Supermac’s. They have been tremendous supporters of Gaelic Games in Galway for many years, and it's fantastic to see that commitment now extending to our students here at University of Galway.

"This sponsorship will make a real difference to our Men's Football, Ladies Football and Hurling clubs, helping us provide the resources and support our players need to develop, compete and enjoy their sport.

"We are also delighted to welcome McKeever Sports as our new Gaelic Games kit supplier. The new jersey’s look fantastic, and it's great to see our clubs coming together with a strong and recognisable identity.

"Our ambition is to build a Gaelic Games programme that provides opportunities for everyone, from students taking up the games for the first time to those competing at the highest level of Higher Education sport. Partnerships like these are hugely important in helping us achieve that."

Pat McDonagh, Founder and Managing Director of Supermac’s, said: “Supermac’s has always been proud of its Galway roots and our longstanding association with the GAA. For more than three decades, we have been committed to supporting the development of hurling and football, and we have seen first-hand the positive impact that sport can have on individuals, teams and communities.

“Our support for the GAA has always been about more than having our name on a jersey. It is about making a meaningful contribution to the development of sport, supporting the communities that have supported our business and creating opportunities for young people to participate and succeed.

"We are delighted to begin this new partnership with University of Galway and support its Men's Football, Ladies Football and Hurling clubs.

“University sport provides a fantastic opportunity for young players to continue developing both on and off the field while pursuing their education. This partnership is a natural extension of our longstanding commitment to the GAA, and we are pleased to play a part in supporting these students. We wish all three clubs every success in the years ahead.”

The new sponsorship with Supermac’s, alongside the appointment of McKeever Sports as the University's Gaelic Games kit supplier, represents an important step in the continued development of the University's sporting programme.

Ends

Keywords: Press.

Author: Marketing and Communications, NUI Galway
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