Who is Ireland's most bankable sports star?

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Sports sponsorship is big business these days and it is no surprise to see Brian O’Driscoll is the man most brands want to be associated with.

With 2012 looking to be the busiest sports year in living memory (Heineken Cup, F1 in Dublin, GAA, Euro 2012, Olympics and Ryder Cup to name a few) the big companies are looking to hang their produce on the biggest names they can but one man is the clear winner when it comes to bankability.

Ireland rugby captain Brian O’Driscoll may be laid low at the moment with a shoulder injury but industry experts Onside rate him as the most marketable sports star in Ireland.

No real surprises there while the other three names reported to be big draws are not shocks either. Katie Taylor, who we hope will have an Olympic boxing gold medal to her name by September is right behind BOD, while Rory McIlroy and Jonny Sexton round out the top four.

With Euro 2012 on the way we thoght a few of Trap's Boys would get a look in but it seems the GAA is the next most popular sport for marketers after rugby in Ireland.

With €120million expected to be spent on sports sponsorship this year, expect to see the Fab Four all over the media this year.

By the way, away from sports the top name was Jedward. Yes, that Jedward. Brace yourself to see a lot more of them too

Source – www.joe.ie
Date – 24/01/2012

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