By Clyde Mooney – editor Australian Hotelier
After a bumper year of accolades, Gallagher Hotels has kicked off 2014 with sponsorship of both Sydney FC and the NSW Waratahs.
PJ Gallagher’s Irish Pub in the Entertainment Quarter is central to Alianz Stadium – the home ground of both teams – and Patrick Gallagher says the deal simply cements an existing relationship.
“Sydney FC and Waratahs supporters, as well as their opposing fans, regularly visit our PJ Gallagher’s Irish Pub at the Entertainment Quarter venue before home games,” says Gallagher.
“The sponsorships simply formalise the alignment we’ve always had with these two teams.”
Gallagher Hotels’ The Union in North Sydney is also part of the arrangement, located in the heart of Waratahs territory.
“While not linked by proximity, The Union Hotel is still a favourite destination for Waratah fans, who come from right across the North Shore,” added Gallagher.
“I think we’ve got some of the biggest Waratah supporters in the State. Every game brings in a large crowd and we look forward to ramping this up for [2014’s] season.”
2013 saw the group’s venues celebrated across consumer and industry channels, with the SMH’s Good Food Pub Guide awarding three Schooners to Le Pub and one to PJ Gallagher’s Enfield.
The AHA also named Gallagher pubs as finalists in 10 categories, and TheShout’s own ALIA awards presented them as finalists in three categories, including Publican of the Year for Patrick Gallagher.