Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) athletes are increasingly translating their on-field successes into lucrative off-field careers, establishing themselves as influencers and entrepreneurs. While GAA remains an amateur sport, its stars are demonstrating a professional approach to business, capitalizing on their public profiles.
Paul Galvin, a retired Kerry football legend, has successfully transitioned his fame into a notable fashion career. Since 2015, he has designed multiple menswear collections for Dunnes Stores, drawing inspiration from his sporting background, including his latest "FUINSEOIG" collection, which is influenced by the craft of hurley-making. In 2014, Galvin co-founded Go Dare Creative Limited with his wife, RTÉ Radio 1 broadcaster Louise Duffy. The firm's most recent accounts show a profit of over €23,000, with substantial cash reserves and shareholders' funds.
In contrast, Limerick hurler Kyle Hayes has faced different challenges and opportunities. Convicted of violent disorder in 2023 and ordered to pay €10,000 in compensation, Hayes has also ventured into business. He co-founded the catering firm KDC Catering Limited, trading as Bunda Brothers, with teammate Darragh O’Donovan. The company's initial accounts show a modest profit, but significant outfitting costs have resulted in substantial liabilities. Hayes has also been appointed a director of Hayes Farm Supplies Limited, indicating an interest in agribusiness.
Other GAA players have also found financial success through their athletic careers. Wexford hurler Lee Chin has publicly stated that sponsorship is his primary income source. Retired Dublin footballer Dean Rock could previously command approximately €1,300 for a sponsored social media post, while Galway footballer Damien Comer has earned fees closer to €665 per post. Orla O’Dwyer, formerly of Tipperary and now playing Australian Rules Football (AFLW), built a following of approximately 24,000 and commanded around €830 per post before her move to Australia. IMAGE2:
Retired Dublin star Bernard Brogan has significantly expanded his post-playing career into the hospitality sector. Alongside his brother Alan and father Bernard Brogan Sr., he is involved in a multi-million-euro hotel and pub business. Their acquisitions include a major stake in the Pillo Hotel in Ashbourne in 2016, reportedly valued at close to €8 million. The family previously took control of the Dundrum House resort and golf course in Co. Tipperary for approximately €3 million. Bernard Brogan also hosts a podcast, further diversifying his media presence. IMAGE4:
The partners of GAA stars are also building influential online presences. Niamh de Brún-Reid, wife of Kilkenny hurler TJ Reid, has cultivated a large following of around 114,000 on social media, sharing content on lifestyle, fashion, and motherhood. IMAGE6:
Kristin McKenzie Vass, partner of Mayo footballer Aidan O’Shea, has garnered about 27,000 followers. Orla O’Brien, operating as @orlalorenza, has launched her own business, ItsBeautyCheats, selling beauty and jewelry accessories, alongside a following of approximately 6,400.
Several female athletes have also established significant profiles through their own sporting achievements. Cork camogie star Anna Geary, a four-time All-Ireland winner, has gained a combined social following of around 215,000 through her coaching role on RTÉ's Ireland's Fittest Family and her television show Love in the Country. Cora Staunton, a decorated player in ladies' Gaelic football history, has an Instagram following of roughly 9,500 and previously played in the AFLW. Former Tipperary player Aishling Moloney, also now in the AFLW, has built a following of 7,500 and secured ambassador deals. IMAGE1:
These ventures demonstrate that many prominent GAA figures, both players and their partners, are building substantial financial futures extending well beyond their playing careers, utilizing a range of platforms from fashion and business to social media endorsements.