By Michael McMullan

DERRY’S Celtic Park and Owenbeg will be rebranded as part of a new sponsorship drive after taking independent sponsorship and marketing firm Teneo.

The county, who last week unveiled the Errigal Group as their new primary sponsor to replace long-serving backers H&A, are also set appoint a new full-time Head of Operations.

In his report ahead of the AGM on Monday, December 13, Secretary Sean Keane said the county is in a ‘good place’ on the off the pitch.

“Financially Derry is in a fairly good position,” Keane stated. “We have reaped the rewards of an excellent championship campaign which generated increased revenue compared with last year.”

It comes on the back of news, announced last December, that the board were ‘debt free’.

“The county’s marketing consultants Teneo are presently seeking further sponsors for development squads and naming rights sponsorship for both stadia – announcements will be made soon,” Keane added.

It would see Derry follow Ulster Rugby and other counties – including Cavan and Tyrone – to have their grounds named after a sponsor.

The Head of Operations would be a first for Derry. Gaelic Life understands that current chairman Stephen Barker is among those in the frame for the post. The closing date for applications and an announcement is expected ‘within days’ of next month’s AGM.

Should the Moneymore man be appointed it would prompt a change at the head of the county’s executive.

As listed on the job description, the successful candidate – who would report to the office of Ard Stiúrthóir Tom Ryan – will be responsible for working with the county executive to ‘develop the vision and strategies’ of the GAA within Derry.

The Head of Operations will provide direction and leadership to management and staff and oversee the effective development of Derry GAA.

Sean Keane continued: “When we look at what has happened over the past couple of years which can be put down to a dedicated and hardworking committee of volunteers backed up by determined sub-committees then this appointment can only lead to further development both on and off the pitch.”

DERRY…Owenbeg is the county training ground