Texaco Ireland has re-upped its support for sports in Ireland, and will be continuing its Texaco Support for Sport for a fourth year.
All sports, nationwide
So far, the programme has seen some €385,000 given to 77 sports clubs nationwide. Under the scheme, hosted by Valero Energy (Ireland) Limited, the company that markets fuel in Ireland under the Texaco brand, a fund of €130,000 will be distributed to twenty-six sports clubs on a county-by-county basis, with successful applicants receiving €5,000 in each case.
The initiative covers all sports, and that means that it doesn’t matter what’s being plays, who’s playing it, nor how big the club is. According to Texaco: “The initiative is one that recognises and supports the valuable contribution that sports clubs make to communities and throughout Irish society as a whole.”
Archery to tennis
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.
Launching the 2024 initiative, James Twohig, Director of Ireland Operations, Valero Energy (Ireland) Limited 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. I’m pleased that this company is to provide a significant route to funding for sports clubs, many of which have faced difficult challenges in recent times.”
Irish rugby star
Donncha O’Callaghan, former rugby international, is heading up the process that disburses the funds and 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 grassroots level.”
The closing date for applications for 2024 funding is the 31st of January, and clubs can find out more on www.texacosupportforsport.com.