ECC Timber Products secure naming rights to Pearse Stadium

Seven-year partnership announced by Galway GAA

Galway GAA has announced a seven-year partnership with ECC Timber Products which will see Pearse Stadium in Salthill officially renamed 'ECC Pearse Stadium'.

The agreement, which will run up to 2033, represents a significant deal between Galway GAA and one of the west of Ireland's leading businesses.

ECC is Ireland's largest exporter of sawn and planed timber products and have been supplying construction, fencing and pallet timber products to the Irish and UK markets since 1992 with turnover increasing from €1 million to over €110 million per annum currently.

The company employs over 175 full-time staff at its manufacturing facility and headquarters in Corr na Mona, with an additional 250 contracted externally in the areas of timber felling, extraction and haulage.

ECC Timber Products founder and managing director PJ Fahy is a well-known figure in Galway sporting circles having managed the county's ladies footballers to All-Ireland senior glory in 2004 and enjoyed major success as an owner and trainer in greyhound racing.

ECC and the Fahy family have forged close ties with Galway GAA in recent times with the company's sports scholarship initiative supporting the county's most promising up-and-coming talents in Gaelic football, hurling, ladies football and camogie. This year's winners brought the total number of recipients up to 40.

The company has also made significant contributions to local GAA clubs, with Glenamaddy and Glinsk both receiving major contributions for the development of their facilities.

"We are absolutely delighted to announce this landmark seven-year partnership with ECC Timber Products, which will see Pearse Stadium carry the ECC name over the next seven years," Galway GAA chairperson Paul Bellew said.

"ECC is one of Galway’s great business success stories, and I want to particularly acknowledge PJ, Mary and the Fahy family for the enormous contribution they have made, not only to business and employment in the West of Ireland, but to sport, the GAA and, most importantly, to clubs and communities throughout our county.

"We are extremely proud and privileged to be associated with everything PJ and the team at ECC stands for. Their commitment to Galway sport has been extraordinary. Through ECC’s scholarship programme, they have provided invaluable support and opportunities to GAA, LGFA and camogie players across Galway.

"Beyond this, ECC has been a hugely generous supporter of our county teams behind the scenes for many years, as well as countless clubs and community initiatives throughout the county. Much of this support has been provided quietly and without any desire for recognition, which speaks volumes about PJ, Mary, the Fahy family and the values that underpin their business.

"I want to sincerely thank PJ, Mary and the Fahy family for their confidence in Galway GAA and for their continued generosity and support. We look forward to building on this relationship over the next seven years and to welcoming players and supporters to ECC Pearse Stadium from 2027 onwards.”

The new partnership was announced on Monday morning and though the value of the deal was not disclosed, it represents a significant investment in Galway GAA.

“On behalf of myself, Mary and our family, we are delighted to team up with Galway GAA in renaming the iconic Pearse Stadium to ECC Pearse Stadium", PJ Fahy said.

"The GAA is of huge importance to young and old, being our national sport and holds a special place in communities throughout Galway and beyond.

"I would like to thank all our unbelievable staff and contractors, our local community in Corr na Mona and Clonbur, and our loyal customers that have made ECC Timber Products one of the leading timber processors in Ireland.

"We look forward to a lasting relationship with Galway GAA and thank Paul Bellew and the County Board for their courtesy in discussions over the past few months.

"We wish Galway GAA continued success, both on and off the field, and look forward to welcoming supporters to ECC Pearse Stadium. Gaillimh Abú.”