In its third year, the scheme is hosted and organised by Valero Energy (Ireland) Limited, with the judging process overseen by former Irish rugby international and well-known broadcaster, Donncha O’Callaghan.
Of the clubs receiving funding this year, EUR50,000 will be divided amongst six clubs devoted to GAA sports and four soccer clubs. In addition, a further EUR25,000 is shared equally amongst three basketball clubs and two tennis clubs. Further disbursements will see EUR50,000 being divided amongst 10 additional clubs whose disciplines include archery, athletics, bowls, cricket, handball, hockey, gymnastics, kayaking, rugby and sub-aqua – all receiving EUR5,000 each.
This year, regrettably, no qualifying entry was received in County Carlow and for that reason, it was not possible to disperse the €5,000 award that would have been presented to a club in that county.
Enhancing local communities
Congratulating the winners, James Twohig, director of Ireland Operations, Valero Energy (Ireland) Limited referred to what he called ‘the important contribution’ that sports clubs make within their communities and throughout Irish society as a whole.
“Our initiative provides vital funding to clubs that have an important place in, and seek to enhance their contribution to, their local communities,” he said. “Since its inception, we’ve distributed almost €400,000 to a wide variety of sports clubs throughout the country which has greatly helped them to continue to play an essential and positive role in their communities, something of which we are very proud,” Mr. Twohig added.
Entries for the 2024 Texaco Support for Sport initiative will open in the Autumn.