Business

Irish News' GAA coverage scoops top marketing award

Irish News marketing manager John Brolly (right) and marketing team members Joe Nugent (left) and Joanne Priest with sponsors McGowan’s Print
Irish News marketing manager John Brolly (right) and marketing team members Joe Nugent (left) and Joanne Priest with sponsors McGowan’s Print Irish News marketing manager John Brolly (right) and marketing team members Joe Nugent (left) and Joanne Priest with sponsors McGowan’s Print

THE Irish News has scooped one of Ireland's top marketing awards.

It was among 14 companies honoured by the CIM in a record-breaking year that saw more than 100 entries for its Marketing Excellence Ireland Awards.

The Irish News marketing team, under group manager John Brolly, won the Creative Industries category for its successful GAA strategy.

Mr Brolly was also runner-up in the Marketer of the Year category, pipped by Danske Bank.

The marketing campaigns from every business sector in the north were recognised at the 16th annual Marketing Excellence Ireland Awards at Titanic Belfast.

Nick Read, chair of the Irish board of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, said: “As marketers, we have faced many challenges over the past few years, dealing with tight budgets, pressure on consumer spending and increased buyer power, which has meant our profession has had to be more creative, agile and responsive to the market, and to embrace new technologies in order to win the support of our customers.

“In Ireland, we have many examples of great marketing practice, from bespoke agencies and large marketing departments, to entrepreneurs who spot an opportunity and pursue it. These awards showcase the best marketing campaigns, shining a light on what we can achieve,” he added.

Mr Brolly, group head of marketing at the Irish News, FarmWeek & Q Radio, said: "It's fantastic to pick up both a marketing excellence award and be runner up in marketer of the year award for our hugely successful Irish News GAA strategy.

"We aim is to enhance the experience of Gaelic games by running initiatives across the year that create excitement for our readers. Our school trips to Croke Park and school coaching days are an excellent way to support schools in their encouragement of getting children active.

"Our revamped Club & School awards had a massive uplift in engagement based on the introduction of our global Club Award and our-easier-to-vote All-Star awards allowed us to have the biggest reader vote ever in the 21-year history of our awards.

"The overlying trend, however, is our partnership approach in all our initiatives, as we have established a very successful relationship with O'Neill's Sportswear, Ulster GAA, St Mary's University College Belfast and have now linked up with Ulster University."

He added: "None of our great initiatives would be possible without the great marketing team we've had in the Irish News over the last number of years and the superb support from our editorial colleagues, especially our sports department."

Other main winners at the CIM Awards (www.cimirelandawards.net) included Genesis/Invest NI, Lough Neagh Partnership, Engage/Cosy Roof, Irish Greyhound Board, Ulster University, Moy Park/AV Browne, White’s Oats, Forza Direct Marketing, Devenish Nutrition, CDE Global, Crescent Arts Centre and Danske Bank.