'Drop Allianz' Campaign expresses 'deep concern'

Motion to come before Cavan County Board; Allianz strongly reject claims

A Bailieborough man is to bring a motion to the county board meeting regarding the Cavan Drop Allianz Campaign, and will consult all local clubs regarding their position on Allianz sponsorship of the GAA beforehand.

A petition on the subject by former county player John Donnellan has garnered over 100 signatures from past players and GAA club members.

Those behind the campaign wish to express their “deep concern” regarding the GAA’s partnership with Allianz.

“In light of the concerns raised by hundreds of current and former inter-county players and the recent motions from other counties regarding Allianz’s alleged complicity in human rights violations, we believe this issue requires a transparent, democratic discussion at the club level,” their petitions reads.

They are seeking the position of each club in Cavan on the issue, and will present these findings when the county board next meets.

“We believe that local clubs, as the heart of the GAA, should have a direct say in ethical matters that could impact the reputation and values of our association,” the petition concludes.

“I just feel it is something we need to discuss in the county and allow the clubs to give their opinion” John says, speaking to the Celt.

“At the end of the day the reason the Drop Allianz campaign started is because of the report by Francesca Albanese, which came out almost one year ago now stating Allianz are heavy investors in Israel.”

The UN report, published in July last year, states that global insurance companies, including Allianz, ‘invest large sums in shares and bonds implicated in the occupation and genocide’. It also states that Allianz’s asset management subsidiary PIMCO ($960 million) were among at least 400 investors from 36 countries who purchased treasury bonds which, the report says ‘have played a critical role in funding the ongoing assault on Gaza’.

“The profits from Allianz Ireland I’m sure filters up to Allianz International and they’re investing it in a country that is accused of genocide,” John believes.

“This is morally wrong,” he adds, saying that the GAA “purports to be for the good of the people”.

Allianz rejection

However, asked for comment, an Allianz spokesperson said: “Allianz wholly and unequivocally rejects the allegations contained in the July 2025 Francesca Albanese report. They are not supported by the facts, fundamentally mischaracterise Allianz’s role and activities, and we do not accept either the methodology employed or the conclusions reached.”

They also “reject any suggestion that Allianz is complicit in genocide or violence”.

The statement reads: “Allianz operates in accordance with all applicable laws, regulatory requirements and sanctions regimes established by democratically accountable governments. We fulfil our fiduciary responsibilities to the millions of customers whose assets we manage and would never knowingly contribute to violence or unlawful conduct anywhere in the world.”

John said the campaign aims to give clubs within the county the chance to have their say on the matter.

“I feel the GAA haven’t approached this in a democratic way. The GAA was founded as a democratic and grassroots organisation but in this case, I feel that corporate Croke Park has made their deci sion based wholly on money. They have put money above humanity in their decision and refused to deal with the issue,” he believes.

He said supporters of the campaign would like the GAA say they are “not going to renew the contract [with Allianz] at the very least, if they are not going to drop them”.

However, on Saturday afternoon, the GAA released an update that read: “Arising from correspondence received from Coiste Chontae Thír Eoghain [County Committee of Tyrone], both Ard Chomhairle [Central Council] and Coiste Bainistíochta [Management Committee] revisited the issue of the Association’s partnership with Allianz.

“Following a comprehensive discussion, it was overwhelmingly agreed to endorse the decision taken last December to adopt the recommendation of the Ethics and Integrity Commission report and to maintain this partnership.”