The home of the reigning All-Ireland senior hurling champions will be known as the LIT Gaelic Grounds from the outset of this year’s inter-county championships.
A naming rights agreement has been made with nearby Limerick Institute of Technology as part of a wide-ranging partnership, which will see the Limerick County Board earn €30,000 per annum for the next 10 years.
In what is believed to be the first of its kind, the deal will see dedicated scholarships provide to Limerick GAA club members who attend LIT as well as internships and work experience for LIT students in sports coaching, event management, marketing and other areas.
LIT will also provide support for clubs as well as use of their campus facilities for Limerick teams and administration.
As well as holding the naming rights, the use of the grounds will be made available to LIT students as a “Living Lab” for educational and other purposes.
It comes as Limerick GAA plans to improve the Ennis Road venue and transform it into a plaza-types area, which will be opened up to the community.
Announcing the partnership, county board chairman John Cregan said: “I am very excited about what we and LIT are doing together.
“This partnership helps bring Limerick GAA to another level. We are on an exciting trajectory and this partnership reflects that new energy and vibrancy.
“LIT and ourselves are close neighbours on the Northside of the city, and we are very much building on the shared history of our two bodies here.
By partnering like this, we are reaching into each other’s communities, unlocking a range of benefits for Limerick, for our clubs and for students.
“This is a far deeper relationship than a typical commercial one, and brings with it huge benefits that a conventional commercial relationship simply could not deliver.
“It is a win for all concerned and we look forward to working together for the benefit of all.”
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