Dubai: Etihad Airways continues to strengthen its ties with Ireland with the announcement that it will be a lead sponsor and official airline of the famous All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championships.

The two-year deal was announced at Croke Park stadium in Dublin, the headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA).

Etihad is joined by Guinness and the Irish television broadcaster RTE as the three exclusive sponsors of one of the most skilful and fastest field games in the world.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways' chief executive, said: "In less than a year Etihad Airways has developed a strong affinity with Ireland, with Dublin quickly establishing itself as one of our most popular routes.

"We are very proud to begin this partnership with the Gaelic Athletic Association and look forward to contributing further to the Irish market which has supported our airline so enthusiastically since we started flying to Dublin in July 2007."