Mayo LGFA announce new high-profile sponsor for club championships

Mayo Ladies Gaelic Football Association (Mayo LGFA) and AbbVie have announced a new three-year title sponsorship that will see Mayo's adult championship carry the AbbVie name from the 2026 season through to 2028.

This landmark partnership unites one of Ireland's great sporting counties with the global biopharmaceutical company that has been part of the Mayo community for decades as well as a major local and national employer.

The partnership was revealed yesterday (Thursday) evening at the Championship Launch Night in Hastings Insurance MacHale Park, Castlebar, in front of players, managers, club officials and supporters from clubs across the county.

The championship is the premier competition in Mayo's club calendar, 40 teams from parishes the length and breadth of the county competing fiercely across five divisions. It is the stage on which the women of Mayo football are seen at their best, and for the first time it will carry a title sponsor's name.

For AbbVie, the partnership feels particularly meaningful, with many of its 1,400 employees in the area actively participating in or having formerly played GAA and LGFA at various levels.

The sponsorship builds upon a partnership AbbVie and Mayo LGFA have developed together in recent years, celebrating the players, volunteers and communities who keep women's football thriving across the county. 

Women's and girls' Gaelic football is also a reflection of AbbVie’s commitment to supporting and empowering individuals to reach their full potential; a commitment that has earned the company recognition as one of Ireland’s Best Workplaces for Women by Great Place to Work for the eighth year running, as well as three top awards at the 2026 Women in Pharma Awards.

A number of local AbbVie employees are also involved in the sport, like Noirin Moran, who plays senior football for her club and coaches the Mayo senior ladies' team.

Commenting on the new partnership, Sinead Stagg, Mayo LGFA chairperson, said: “This is a truly landmark day for Mayo LGFA and for every club and player in the county. AbbVie is already part of the fabric of our community, and the relationship we have built with the company, through events like WellFest 2025 and more, has been a wonderful one. What has always struck us is how genuinely AbbVie wanted to do something meaningful for ladies’ football, not simply put a name on a competition. 

“Our championship has never had a title sponsor. Ladies’ football in Mayo is thriving, and backing like this sends a powerful message to every girl and woman in the county: that our game matters, that it is seen, and that it is worth investing in. On behalf of everyone in Mayo LGFA, I want to thank the whole AbbVie community for their support and belief in our clubs and our players. We could not be prouder to continue our journey together.” 

Speaking about the partnership, Ben Schroeder, AbbVie Westport Site Head, highlighted the company's longstanding connection to Mayo and its commitment to supporting local communities. “AbbVie is proud to call Mayo home. The strength of this county lies in its people, its communities and the volunteers who give so much of their time to support local organisations. The pride and passion for Gaelic games that we have seen across Mayo in recent weeks is a powerful reminder of what sport means to this county.

“Mayo LGFA embodies those same values, bringing people together, promoting wellbeing and creating opportunities for women and girls across the county. We are delighted to support the championship and to play a small part in helping this great game continue to grow and thrive for future generations, while encouraging healthy, active communities across Mayo.” 

Over the coming season, supporters will see and hear the AbbVie name woven through the championship, from expanded coverage on Midwest Radio, to match programmes.