O2, the leading mobile communications network in Ireland, have entered a partnership with Shannon for three seasons, up to 2005 2006.

The sponsorship of the five times AIB All Ireland League championship winners takes account of exclusive front of jersey and track suit O2 branding.

Announcing the sponsorship, Catherine Tiernan, Head of Sponsorships O2 Ireland said: We are delighted to become sponsors of the Shannon all Ireland league team. We see it as a fitting association of one of Ireland s most famous club rugby teams and O2 as the best players in the mobile industry in Ireland.

Shannon RFC Club President Melvin McNamara said: The Shannon club is thrilled to be associated with such a high profile company as O2, the leading player in the Irish communications market. We feel privileged to be invited into the same O2 sponsorship camp with the England rugby team, Arsenal soccer club and the Cork Gaelic football and hurling teams, in addition to O2 s other sponsorship portfolio. We look forward to a very successful partnership over the next three years.

Shannon RFC, captained by Tom Hayes, open their 2003 2004 AIB All Ireland League campaign at home to Lansdowne on October 25.