Under the scheme, hosted by Valero Energy (Ireland) Limited, a fund of €130,000 will be distributed to 26 sports clubs on a county-by[1]county basis, with successful applicants receiving €5,000 in each case.
Open to sports clubs across the 26 counties, irrespective of sporting discipline, size, membership, age, cultural appeal or gender (including clubs that may have been unsuccessful in their application previously), the initiative is one that recognises and supports the valuable contribution that sports clubs make to communities and throughout Irish society as a whole.
Clubs that have received funding to date span the spectrum of Irish sporting activity. Amongst them were archery, athletics, badminton, basketball, bowls, boxing, camogie, climbing, cricket, diving, Gaelic football, golf, gymnastics, handball, hockey, hurling, kayaking, rowing, rugby, soccer and tennis.
Avenue to funding
Launching the 2024 initiative, James Twohig, director of Ireland Operations, Valero Energy (Ireland) described sports clubs as “the heart and soul of so many communities, cities, towns and villages throughout the country and a key component in the fabric of Irish society.”
Mr Twohig went on to say how pleased his company is to provide “a significant route to funding for sports clubs, many of which have faced difficult challenges in recent times.”
Adjudication
Leading the adjudication process once again is Texaco Support for Sport ambassador, broadcaster and former Irish rugby international, Donncha O’Callaghan. Commenting, O’Callaghan said: “The most appealing aspect of the Texaco Support for Sport initiative is the benefit it brings to our sports clubs throughout Ireland by providing rare access to funds which are not linked to the popularity, membership size or success of any club.
“I look forward to reviewing the 2024 applications and to rewarding those clubs that require access to vital funds so they can develop facilities, increase memberships, and broaden their appeal within their communities, at grassroot level.
The application process is now open online at www.texacosupportforsport.com