It has been a difficult year for the hospitality sector in Ireland as hotels, pubs and restaurants have had to deal with the impact of Covid-19 on their business. Sports clubs in towns and villages across the country who rely on much needed sponsorship from such local businesses have also been adversely affected.

Westport as a much loved tourist destination has been impacted more than most but one of the town’s best known hotels ‘The Castlecourt Hotel’ has committed to continuing as the main sponsor of Westport GAA  into the future.

Speaking this week at the unveiling of a new set of sponsored jerseys, Joe Corcoran, Proprietor of The Castlecourt Hotel said it was important for the hotel to continue the partnership: “Westport GAA is a wonderful community based organisation, we have had a great partnership with them over the years and we are delighted to continue our sponsorship of the club. We wish the players, management and the extended club every success for the year ahead. The Castlecourt Hotel has been the hub for many of the club’s gatherings and activities and we are excited to welcome the GAA community back to the hotel as government restrictions ease” he said.

Chairperson of Westport GAA Charlie Lambert welcomed the renewed sponsorship deal; “The Castlecourt Hotel have been generous supporters of Westport GAA over the years and we are delighted that they are continuing as main club sponsors. It’s at times like this that we really appreciate the support of local businesses like The Castlecourt Hotel and we look forward to being able to return that support as the hospitality sector reopens” he said.

Westport men’s senior team are currently in action in the Michael Walsh League and the West Mayo Kelly Cup with senior league and county championship competitions to follow in August and September. Manager of the Westport senior team Martin Calvey is looking forward to a busy summer; “We’re delighted to get back playing football, we have a great group of lads who are working really hard in training and we also have a number of lads involved with the county setup which is a great honour for the club. We’re grateful to The Castlecourt Hotel for their continued support and we’re really looking forward to the season ahead” he said.

It’s exciting times for Westport GAA as they embark on an ambitious new grounds development which will help with the increasing participation in Gaelic Games in the community. The club are currently running a second ‘Win a House in Westport’ fundraiser to help fund this project. More information on the initiative and the project in general can be found at www.winahouseinwestport.com.

Photograph Details: Joe Corcoran proprietor of The Castlecourt Hotel presenting Westport GAA Chairperson Charlie Lambert with a new set of club jerseys. Also pictured (L-R) Brian O’Malley, Player; Martin Connolly, Senior Team Coach; Martin Calvey, Senior Team Manager; Paul Gannon, Club PRO; Niall McManamon, Player and Martin O’Reilly, Club Secretary. Pics. Conor McKeown