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The Target Express logo, seen on Stephen O'Neill's jersey. ©INPHO/Cathal Noonan

Tyrone GAA plan sponsorship future without Target Express

The county says it is “disappointed to learn that Target Express have been left with no other choice but to cease trading.”

TYRONE GAA’S COUNTY BOARD has expressed its sympathy with those set to lose their jobs following the announcement that Target Express has ceased trading.

The haulage firm, which employs almost 400 people across the Republic and Northern Ireland, is Tyrone’s main sponsor but county bosses reassured fans on Tuesday that the financial future of their teams remains secure.

Target Express said on Monday that it was forced to cease trading after the Revenue Commissioners rejected a deal to settle an outstanding debt.

The company partnered Tyrone since February 2009 in a deal described by officials as “among the top three or four sponsorship deals for any county in Ireland.” It had already indicated that it would not be renewing the agreement beyond the end of the current season.

The county is confident that it will have a new sponsor in place before Christmas 2012.

Tyrone’s statement read: “The Tyrone County GAA Board are disappointed to learn that Target Express have been left with no other choice but to cease trading.

“Our thoughts are with the hundreds of people who are about to lose their jobs throughout Ireland and the management of the company. These job losses will impact on people within our own county.

“Target Express had already indicated to us that they would not be renewing sponsorship of our county teams beyond the end of the 2012 season. We wish to thank Target Express for their generous sponsorship of our county teams over the last three years.

“Tyrone GAA has a very robust financial management strategy and we are confident that a new sponsorship partnership will be in place before Christmas 2012.”

Sit-in at Cork Target Express plant begins after company ceases trading

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15 Comments
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    Mute Pat Kelly
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    Aug 28th 2012, 4:54 PM

    I feel for the employees. How much will it cost the country per year to have 400 people unemployed. Great joint up thinking with government departments.

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    Mute Shane Farrell
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    Aug 28th 2012, 5:15 PM

    Exactly. For a million quid supposedly those revenue dopes now have 800 on the dole. 800 x €200 average per week is some bill. Enda again would want to be gettin on the phone.

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    Mute Vocal Outrage
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    Aug 28th 2012, 5:44 PM

    It says 400 in the article not 800, get your maths right. Although I feel sorry for those 400 as such a hit must be devistating but the RC have to enforce the rules, otherwise the country would be even more broke than it is and things like the health service would be even more decimated

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    Mute Deirdre Fitzpatrick
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    Aug 28th 2012, 5:48 PM

    I agree with you Pat & also think the GAA are too quick off the mark assuming they will get another sponsor & are insensitive to Target Express employers.

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    Mute Ronan Brady
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    Aug 28th 2012, 6:02 PM

    Wouldn’t be surprised if they opened up again under a different name.

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    Mute Patrick Hasson
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    Aug 28th 2012, 11:42 PM

    Exactly how have Tyrone gaa been insensitive to target express employees? That’s complete gash.

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    Mute John O'Neill
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    Aug 28th 2012, 4:52 PM

    Maybe the Northern Bank might sponsor them…..oh wait…

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    Mute Peter F. Brennan
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    Aug 29th 2012, 12:42 AM

    Idiot

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    Mute Shane Farrell
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    Aug 28th 2012, 6:18 PM

    Well I was sure I heard up to 800 yesterday but obviously not. No mater how many it was when you put the cost of the ‘dole’ against money owed to Revenue it seems a bit mad.

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    Mute Ronan Brady
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    Aug 28th 2012, 6:54 PM

    The Revenue know a little more than you about the situation, my learned friend. They dont do anything mad as you put it.

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    Mute Shane Farrell
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    Aug 29th 2012, 9:07 AM

    I don’t perceive for one minute that the issue is cut and dry. I don’t see Revenue disputing the figures either. My point is that if the figures are correct then the taxpayer is in hoc for a lot more than those quoted. In fact I would be relatively happy that there is more to this story.

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    Mute Deirdre Fitzpatrick
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    Aug 28th 2012, 5:54 PM

    Ps. above should have read Target Express employees not employers.

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    Mute Fergus Lynch
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    Aug 28th 2012, 7:33 PM

    The moral of the story is: don’t sponsor any GAA teams or your company will go bust!

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    Mute Aoife Ward
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    Aug 29th 2012, 8:19 AM

    Tyrone abu

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    Mute Paul McClay
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    Aug 30th 2012, 5:11 PM

    sure how come the empoyees in the republic of ireland were left high and dry by their employers ?
    the word is that they cant even sign on for unemployment assistance or benefit because they dont have a P45 yet, and wont get one until this debacle is sorted out.
    when it is sorted out – it will cost the state over €3million in dole payments alone per annum – no shared info between government depts when it comes to this ?
    its a shame that the revenue acted in such a manner – not thinking about what was to come !!
    these employees have to pay mortgages, bills, with a lot of them having kids going back to school this week too – what a debacle the revenue has put them in !!
    who’s gonna pick up the tab for these bills ??
    the govenrment !!
    a bit of common sense should have prevailed and they should have been let trade their way out of trouble !!

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