2026 Allianz Football and Hurling Leagues launched
Pictured left to right at the launch of the 2026 Allianz Football and Hurling Leagues are Meath footballer, Eoghan Frayne, GAA President, Jarlath Burns, Allianz Chief Customer Officer, Geoff Sparling, and Laois hurler, Aidan Corby.
Allianz today announced the launch of the 2026 Allianz Football and Hurling Leagues, marking the start of a new season and their 34th year as title sponsor of the inter-county competition.
As part of the announcement, Allianz also unveiled a new campaign that sees the evolution of its ‘Stop the Drop’ campaign into #KeepPlaying.
Launched in 2024, ‘Stop the Drop’ was designed to address the critical issue of declining sports participation among young people. With one in five children in Ireland dropping out of sport between primary and secondary school. #KeepPlaying is the next phase of this initiative – championing the importance of staying involved, dealing with challenges and supporting and having the support of those around you.
Speaking at today’s Allianz Leagues launch, Geoff Sparling, Chief Customer Officer at Allianz, said:
“Allianz will be marking the start of the 2026 Allianz Leagues season through our #KeepPlaying campaign, which builds on the legacy of Stop the Drop and reflects our long-term commitment to supporting participation and inclusion in Irish sport. It gives everyone involved connection and community over a lifetime. No one embodies the #KeepPlaying messages more than inter-county legends who can speak authentically about longevity, adapting to change and staying connected to the game through different phases of life. Our #KeepPlaying ambassadors truly represent what the campaign is all about and we look forward to working with them to inspire younger generations.”
To bring #KeepPlaying to life, Allianz has partnered with GAA legends, Graham Geraghty and Paudie Maher – both of whom have lived the full arc of a senior county career. From Paudie Maher’s leadership during a golden era for Tipperary hurling and Graham Geraghty’s ability to evolve his game across changing teams.
Also speaking at today’s launch, Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael, Jarlath Burns, said:
“The Allianz Leagues have long been a proving ground for players and a cornerstone of the GAA calendar. Allianz’s continued support demonstrates a deep understanding of the role Gaelic Games play in people’s lives, not just during their playing days, but long after. Allianz’s new #KeepPlaying campaign captures the enduring spirit of our games and the importance of staying involved, connected and active within our communities.”
The 2026 Allianz Leagues once again promise weeks of high-quality competition across football and hurling, as players test themselves, teams build momentum and supporters return to grounds across the country. Through #KeepPlaying, Allianz will continue to champion participation at every level.
Allianz has been a proud partner of the GAA for over three decades and the launch of the 2026 Allianz Leagues reinforces its ongoing commitment to supporting players, clubs and communities – encouraging everyone to keep playing, in whatever way that means to them.