WEALTH June 4, 2026 0 Comments

Heineken 0.0 and RTE’s World Cup Deal: The Untold Playbook That Could Disrupt Sports Marketing Forever

Ever wondered how an alcohol-free beer ended up taking center stage in the whirlwind that is FIFA World Cup 2026 coverage? Well, it’s not just about quenching thirsts—RTÉ has teamed up with Heineken 0.0 as the official broadcast sponsor for what promises to be the most expansive, multi-nation World Cup ever. Picture this: 104 matches broadcast live and free-to-air, fueled by a brand that’s all about bringing people together without the buzz. This clever pairing, orchestrated through Dentsu, ensures Heineken 0.0’s presence will be as ubiquitous as that edge-of-your-seat moment when a last-minute goal sends the crowd wild. But hey, this isn’t just about football or beer; it’s a lesson in smart brand alignment and marketing in a rapidly evolving media landscape. Ready to dive into the full story and see what else is shaking up the world of media and marketing? LEARN MORE

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RTÉ has announced Heineken 0.0 as the official broadcast sponsor of its coverage of the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will see the alcohol-free beer brand feature prominently throughout the broadcaster’s coverage of football’s biggest tournament.

The sponsorship agreement, brokered by Dentsu, will include Heineken 0.0 branding across RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player broadcasts.

Sponsorship stings will appear at the start of all live coverage and around commercial breaks, while the brand’s logo will also feature on promotional material supporting the tournament.

Gavin Deans, Commercial Director at RTÉ, said the broadcaster was pleased to partner with a globally recognised brand for what is expected to be a landmark tournament.

“With an expanded team format and three host nations for the very first time, this edition of the World Cup is set to be bigger than ever before,” he said.

“We’re delighted to have Heineken 0.0’s support in bringing all 104 World Cup matches to Irish audiences, live and free-to-air. As a huge Irish and global brand, they are a natural partner for our broadcast coverage of this historic tournament.”

Fiona Curtin, Marketing Director at Heineken Ireland, said the partnership aligns with the brand’s focus on social occasions and shared experiences.”

Joan Curry

Joan Curry elected President of Chartered Accountants Ireland

Chartered Accountants Ireland elected Joan Curry as its new President at the organisation’s 138th Annual General Meeting.

The appointment coincided with the publication of the Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority’s (IAASA) Profile of the Profession 2025, which highlights the strength of Chartered Accountants Ireland’s education and training model.

Speaking following her election, Curry said the Institute’s education model has evolved significantly in recent years to ensure graduates are equipped with the skills required by modern employers.

“This year, the Institute welcomed its 40,000th member, the result of an education programme that has been significantly overhauled,” she said.

Final call for entries to PRII Communication Impact Awards 2026

Public relations and communications professionals have just days left to submit entries for the 2026 PRII Communication Impact Awards, with the deadline set for noon on Thursday, 4 June.

Organised by the Public Relations Institute of Ireland (PRII), the annual awards recognise excellence and impact across the communications profession, with 14 categories covering a broad range of sectors and disciplines.

The awards are open to both PRII members and non-members, with Business Plus serving as the official media partner for this year’s programme.

Entrants are being encouraged to submit detailed, evidence-based entries that clearly demonstrate measurable outcomes and impact.

Ahead of the closing date, PRII has also announced the judging panel for the 2026 awards, bringing together expertise from public relations, journalism, research, academia and strategic communications.

Dingle Distillery unveils first major bottle redesign for 13 years

Dingle Distillery, the family-run independent spirits producer, has unveiled a new bottle for Dingle Gin in what is its first redesign since opening in 2012.

The Kerry drinks company has also introduced a new look for Dingle Vodka and launched Dingle Gin Orange & Sea Salt, its first major new gin expression for years.

Dingle Distiller won World’s Best Gin at the 2019 World Gin Awards, and the gin — made with local Dingle Peninsula botanicals, including rowan berry, angelica root, hawthorn and heather — remains the same despite the bottle redesign.

The new desgin drew inspiration from the rugged Atlantic landscape and contemporary spirit of the Dingle Peninsula but retains the recognisable character of the original while bringing a more refined and confident identity to the range.

“Thirteen years ago we launched a gin and put it in a bottle that became part of who we are. As the distillery evolved, we felt the bottle should evolve with it,” said Elliot Hughes, managing director of Dingle Distillery.

IRFU Charitable Trust golf outing raises vital funds for injured rugby players

The IRFU Charitable Trust‘s annual Leinster Charity Golf Outing brought together members of Ireland’s rugby and business communities at The K Club last week, raising vital support for seriously injured rugby players and their families.

Held on the Palmer South Course on 29 May, the event attracted golfers, sponsors, corporate partners and supporters for a day of competition, networking and fundraising in aid of the Trust, which currently supports 36 seriously injured rugby players across Ireland.

Foresthill Consultancy Services emerged as the winning team, posting a score of 52.7.

The team was captained by Ronnie Culliton, whose family has a long-standing connection with the Trust.

His brother, Garrett Culliton, sustained a catastrophic rugby injury while playing for Wanderers FC in 1992.

The Trust said the outing was a powerful demonstration of the rugby community’s generosity and spirit, adding that ongoing support enables it to continue providing lifelong assistance to players who have suffered life-changing injuries.

The event will return to The K Club’s Palmer North Course in 2027, with organisers expecting strong demand following another successful year.