Cavan Drop Allianz Campaign members John Brady, Breffni Clarke, Deirdre Farrelly, Padraig Farrelly, Paul O’Dowd, John Donnellan, Gerry Sheridan and Francis Clarke.

Local ‘Drop Allianz’ campaign to hold information evening

Gemma Good

Published: Thu 24 Sep 2026, 2:41 PM

The organisers of the ‘Drop Allianz’ campaign will hold an information meeting tomorrow (Friday) to raise awareness of their campaign. The focus of the meeting will be on the Israel Palestine conflict, Allianz sponsorship of the GAA and the ‘Drop Allianz’ campaign, which has started locally as part of a wider campaign. The ‘Drop Allianz’ campaign began following the publication of a UN report in July last year, which states that global insurance companies, including Allianz, ‘invest large sums in shares and bonds implicated in the occupation and genocide’.

The findings of the report have been rejected by Allianz (see below).

The Drop Allianz campaign, meanwhile, is consulting all local clubs regarding their position on Allianz sponsorship of the GAA before presenting to the Cavan county board. Four “very prominent GAA figures” will speak on the night including Eugene McKenna, Colm O’Rourke, Colm McAlarney and David Hickey. “These people are hugely involved in this and have dedicated great time in doing this,” campaign member Gerry Sheridan told the Celt. “We are calling on the GAA administrators to show moral leadership by opening up that debate and address the issues they are facing in front of them,” the former Cavan county player said, adding: “Ultimately it’s [the campaign] looking to remove Allianz because of their involvement.”

GAA HQ in Croke Park has also stated that its central council and management committee “overwhelmingly agreed” to maintain its partnership with Allianz despite some opposition.

“At the heart of the campaign, it’s really about being a voice because the Palestinians don’t really have a voice on the world stage despite what is going on,” Gerry added.

The meeting, which is open to everyone, will take place on Friday, September 25, at St Anne’s Park, Bailieborough [A82W654], starting at 8pm.

Clubs from neighbouring counties are also invited to attend.

Allianz Ireland rejects the claims

A spokesperson for Allianz Ireland has said it "wholly rejects" the "allegations" contained in the July 2025 Special Rapporteur’s report. They said the "facts" are "straightforward" and are urging Drop Allianz campaigners to make contact with them directly.

"Allianz Ireland does not hold Israeli government bonds. Irish customer premiums are not invested in Israeli government bonds or directed towards military activity in Gaza or the Occupied Territories. Allianz Ireland does not underwrite business in Israel or elsewhere in the Middle East and has no commercial relationship with, and does not insure, Elbit Systems," they said.

The spokesperson continued: "If campaigners believe their allegations withstand examination, they should put them directly to Allianz. We will answer legitimate questions, correct false claims and engage with evidence. We will not accept unsupported allegations acquiring the appearance of fact simply through repetition or pressure on third parties."

They concluded: "Allianz Ireland has been clear that the scale of civilian suffering in Gaza is immense and must end. Civilians in the region should be able to live free from violence, displacement and fear. Allianz Ireland has supported the Irish Red Cross in providing humanitarian assistance to civilians affected by the conflict."