The Football Association of Ireland today announced Ireland�s largest independent bookmaker, Boylesports, as its latest commercial partner.

A two year sponsorship agreement, with an option to renew for another two years, was announced this afternoon at a press conference in FAI Headquarters by FAI Chief Executive, John Delaney, and the Managing Director of Boylesports, John Boyle. Boylesports will become the Official Betting Partner of the FAI, Irish Soccer Team and the eircom League of Ireland

FAI Chief Executive John Delaney said: �We are delighted to have entered into this partnership with Boylesports. John Boyle has grown his company from one shop in 1989 to over 130 outlets in Ireland today as well as developing a very successful online presence. They have a strong interest in football at national and international level.

"This sponsorship deal will also benefit the eircom League of Ireland with Boylesports taking advertising boards at all league grounds and using their network of 132 shops nationwide to actively promote their relationship through a number of initiatives.�

Boylesports� Managing Director, John Boyle, said: �As a leading Irish company we are delighted to go into partnership with the Football Association of Ireland. The FAI has made huge strides in recent years in developing soccer from grassroots level through to the national side and we are proud to be in a position to contribute to the future of Irish soccer.�

The new deal will commence immediately with the National team and will come into effect with the eircom League of Ireland from next season.

Boylesports, Ireland�s largest independent bookmaker, was established in 1989 and today has over 130 shops around the country and employs 750 people. Boylesports boasts an enviable sponsorship portfolio which includes English Premier League side Sunderland AFC, horseracing festivals - the Irish Guineas and the December Cheltenham festival, and two major greyhound races - the Dundalk International and the Champion Stakes at Shelbourne Park.