Off The Ball, Ireland’s leading sports media brand and recent winner of Sports Media Outlet of the Year at the Irish Sport Industry Awards, has inked a 12-month sponsorship deal with Horse Racing Ireland (HRI).
The partnership will see HRI become title sponsor of Off The Ball’s ‘Friday Night Racing’ segment, presented by Ger Gilroy, as well as Off The Ball’s horse racing coverage, across its online and social media channels – providing listeners and followers with in-depth, real-time horse racing action and analysis, every week.
According to Ger Gilroy, managing director of Off The Ball: “Horse racing is one of very few sports where Ireland is seen as a global leader. From trainers and jockeys, to studs and horses, Ireland sets the standard and HRI is a leading force behind that. It’s a great vote of confidence when a leading sports body recognises what our coverage and analysis brings to the sport. I am thrilled to announce this fantastic partnership. There has always been a desire for a greater variety of horse racing coverage in Ireland and I believe that this partnership will allow us to do just that.”
According to Paul Dermody, commercial and marketing director at Horse Racing Ireland, said:
“This collaboration is very important for Horse Racing Ireland. Off The Ball’s programming and unique style of content output will help us achieve our key objectives to grow engagement and increase interest levels in racing, ultimately maximising attendances at the 26 racecourses in Ireland. We are really excited to work with the Off The Ball team to produce, appealing, relevant and thought-provoking content to promote the wonderful stories and stars of our sport, whether they be our jockeys, trainers, breeders, owners or stable staff.”
Off The Ball’s partnership with Horse Racing Ireland, brokered by Media Central and OMD, will begin this weekend. Off The Ball, now a stand-alone sports media group, delivers the most up-to-date, real-time sports content and in-depth analysis daily, via OffTheBall.com and via the group’s social media channels.
Off The Ball’s morning sports show, #OTBAM, which broadcasts live on the group’s YouTube, Facebook
