Gaelic Athletic Association members demand end to Allianz sponsorship over 'Israel' ties

A group of prominent current and former Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) stars has delivered a petition and open letter to management at Croke Park, urging the GAA to sever its sponsorship ties with Allianz Insurance.

Nearly 800 players across Gaelic football, hurling, camogie, and ladies’ football signed the petition, which was formally handed over at the GAA headquarters in Dublin. The letter, addressed to Ard-Stiúrthóir (Director-General) Tom Ryan, calls on the association to uphold its principles and adhere to international humanitarian law.

The campaign comes in response to a United Nations report by Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. The report, published in June on the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights website, named Allianz among companies allegedly involved in sustaining or financing 'Israel’s' actions in Palestinian territories.

Among the petition signatories is former Meath footballer and commentator Colm O’Rourke, who said, “Sometimes the right thing costs money but in this case it is the least of what we should do. I think all club members should be made aware of what is happening in their name because of the sponsorship of the competition.” He added, “If it means that we don't have a sponsor for the National League Competition, so be it.”

Former Dublin footballer Kieran Duff, also present at the protest, emphasized the need for action. “We're a small little country. This is our national game, and if the GAA can't stand up and call them out, what hope has anyone got?” he said.

Around 70 people participated in the demonstration, encouraging GAA members to bring motions to their local clubs and advocate for a new sponsorship partner.

Barrister and former Derry Ladies GAA player Nodlaig Ní Bhrollaigh, who helped coordinate the protest, said, “The facts cannot be ignored, and it really is up to the GAA now to do human rights due diligence. I don't think they'll come to any other conclusion other than they'll have to do what the report recommends and to end their relationship with Allianz.”

In response, Allianz said its partnership with the GAA “is about supporting Irish sport and communities” and stressed that its business decisions adhere to “strict legal standards and world-leading ESG principles.” The GAA declined immediate comment but confirmed it would review the correspondence.

The UN report highlighted that Allianz, as a global insurer, has invested in shares and bonds linked to the occupation of Palestinian territories. The Special Rapporteur is an independent expert appointed by the UN Human Rights Council to monitor and report on human rights conditions in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.