Teg become Westmeath GAA's main sponsor

Quality is not a luxury, quality is our standard. On a guided tour of the impressive teg facility in Mullingar Business Park on Thursday evening, these words emblazoned on the factory wall, struck a cord.

The company, teg, delivers quality across the globe from its base in the Westmeath town and they will now hope to see quality shining through the football and hurling teams of the county. Their confirmation as the new main sponsors of Westmeath GAA is a significant boost to the association at a time when the county could potentially have struggled to have a name on the jersey.

For outgoing Westmeath GAA chairman, Frank Mescall, this ranks as a significant achievement. Together with Keith Quinn, secretary, and Patrick Doherty, head of operations, they worked diligently to get the new sponsorship deal over the line and it will be a major benefit to the senior hurling and football managers, Kevin O’Brien and Mark McHugh, in their efforts to drive up the standard in Westmeath.

The new sponsors, major global players in the aviation, biopharmaceutical and pharmaceutical industries, have agreed a deal that will see teg carried on all Westmeath jerseys for the next three years. Directors Tommy Kelly and John Hunt are dedicated GAA supporters and the company is already associated with Westmeath GAA through its sponsorship of Cusack Park.

“We value the organisation for the enjoyment and community spirit it brings to people across the county. Our hope is that our support enhances the experience for all participants and helps them reach their full potential,” said Mr Kelly at last Thursday’s announcement.

Frank Mescall said securing the new deal is positive news for Westmeath GAA: “We are delighted to extend and deepen our partnership with TEG, whose support since 2016 has greatly contributed to the progress of Westmeath GAA. Their commitment to our county is sincerely appreciated, and we look forward to building on this relationship in the years ahead.”

No less a figure than GAA President Jarlath Burns was in attendance at teg offices, Mullingar, on the evening. His hectic schedule took him to the Asian Games last week, and on his return to Ireland, the Armagh man took time to attend Thursday’s launch.

He said he has a special place in his heart for Westmeath and wished the county every success with the new sponsorship deal: “I really wanted to come here to visit the company and see what they do. I felt also that, as GAA President, it was important to come here and stand amongst you , and thank teg sincerely from the GAA for the support you give.”

He praised teg for the meaningful employment it provides which helps keep towns alive: “Companies like teg are the reason why people stay in Mullingar, because it provides meaningful employment.”

He praised the values of teg in providing community support and described it as charitable donation rather than sponsorship.

“You do it because you understand the importance of improving people’s lives. It is so affirming that a big company like teg believes so strongly in the association that it would give it financial support. You are just happy to give it. A lot of the sponsorship will go on the three B’s - busanna, bia agus bainisteoirí - and unglamorous stuff. You have trust in how Westmeath GAA will spend the money because of your association with them already," he remarked.