Aer Arann sponsors Sunderland’s tour of Ireland

Aer Arann, Ireland’s leading regional airline has today announced the sponsorship of Sunderland AFC’s pre season tour of Ireland. Sunderland AFC has confirmed that the Club will travel to Ireland to play three friendly fixtures as part of the team’s pre-season preparations this summer.

The tour, being sponsored by Aer Arann who will be flying the team from Newcastle and throughout their tour in Ireland, will see Roy Keane’s side take on Bohemians, Cork City and Galway United in a week-long visit

The games will take place as follows:
• Saturday July 28th 2007, Bohemians FC v. Sunderland AFC, 7:45pm kick off
• Monday July 30th 2007, Cork City FC v. Sunderland AFC, 7:45pm kick off
• Wednesday August 1st 2007, Galway United FC v. Sunderland AFC, 8:00pm kick off

SAFC Chairman Niall Quinn said: “We are very honoured to bring Sunderland on this summer tour of Ireland, courtesy of Aer Arann. There’s a marvellous feeling of goodwill between Sunderland and the Irish public and this trip will complement the progress at the Club since Drumaville’s takeover last summer.

“We’re sure the tour will be fantastic for the Club and its supporters and there has already been tremendous amount of interest from Sunderland fans wishing to make the journey to Ireland with us.”

This is the first major soccer sponsorship deal for Aer Arann in the UK, which operates over 600 flights per week across 39 routes in Ireland, the UK and France.

Commenting on the announcement Colin Lewis, Head of Sales and Marketing, Aer Arann said: “We are delighted to be coming on board as official sponsor of Sunderland's pre season tour of Ireland. There are obvious Irish connections with Sunderland and we certainly welcome the opportunity to work with them as we grow our routes in the UK market. We know this tour of Ireland is going to be very successful and the announcement comes at a time when we all wish Sunderland the best in their charge towards the premiership".

Aer Arann has recently announced flights from Galway to Newcastle starting on the 25th June 2007.