In its fifth year, the scheme is hosted and organised by Valero Energy (Ireland) Limited, the company that markets fuel in Ireland under the Texaco brand, with judging overseen by former Irish rugby international and well-known broadcaster, Donncha O’Callaghan.
Of the clubs receiving funding this year, EUR40,000 is divided equally amongst eight GAA clubs (incorporating camogie, Gaelic football and hurling), EUR20,000 amongst four athletic clubs, and a further EUR35,000 shared equally amongst three soccer clubs, two rowing clubs and two rugby clubs.
In addition, a further EUR35,000 is divided between seven clubs whose disciplines include basketball, bowling, cycling, golf, gymnastics, inline hockey and swimming, all receiving EUR5,000 in each case.
Congratulating the winners, James Twohig, Director of Ireland Operations, Valero Energy (Ireland) Limited, acknowledged ‘the immense contribution’ that sports clubs make to the heart of community life in Ireland.
“The purpose of our Texaco Support for Sport initiative is to provide an avenue of funding for local sports clubs to help nurture grassroots talent, improve facilities, purchase new equipment or contribute to inclusivity measures which will broaden and enhance their appeal and grow their memberships.
Since its inception, we are proud to have distributed almost €650,000 to a variety of more than 125 sports clubs throughout the country and this has undoubtedly helped them to continue to play an essential and positive role within their communities,” Mr. Twohig added.
An invitation to enter the 2026 Texaco Support for Sport initiative will issue again in the New Year, with entries open to all clubs, including those whose application may have been unsuccessful previously.
Image courtesy of Valero Energy (Ireland) Ltd