SIXTH TEXACO ‘SUPPORT FOR SPORT’ CLUB FUNDING INITIATIVE LAUNCHED
Dublin, 30th September 2026: The Texaco Support for Sport funding initiative – which, to date has seen over €600,000 distributed to more than 125 sports clubs across Ireland – has been launched for the sixth year.
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.
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 are archery, athletics, badminton, basketball, bowling, bowls, boxing, camogie, climbing, cricket, cycling, diving, GAA, Gaelic football, golf, gymnastics, handball, hockey, hurling, inline hockey, kayaking, rowing, rugby, soccer, squash, swimming, and tennis.
‘Route to funding’
Launching the 2026 initiative, James Twohig, Director of Ireland Operations, Valero Energy (Ireland) Limited, described sports clubs as “an integral part of communities across Ireland, where people of all ages can enjoy the many physical, social and personal benefits that sport brings.”
Mr. Twohig went on to say his company is proud to provide “a significant source of funding for sports clubs, to help them continue the outstanding work they do for their members and communities. Every club has its own ambitions and challenges, and we are pleased that the Texaco Support for Sport initiative can play a part in helping them achieve their goals.”
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: “What makes the Texaco Support for Sport initiative so worthwhile is that every club has an equal opportunity to secure funding, regardless of its size, sporting discipline or competitive success. It gives clubs the chance to access support that can make a genuine difference to their future.”
Highlighting the positive impact the initiative can have for clubs of all sizes, particularly those involved in minority sports, he added: “I’m looking forward to reviewing the 2026 applications and seeing how clubs plan to use this funding to improve facilities, encourage greater participation and strengthen their role within their local communities.”
Application
Following similar lines to that which proved successful over the past five years, the application process is now open online at www.TexacoSupportforSport.com
Clubs wishing to apply can first register their interest to be followed, before closing date, by a completed application that should include full details of their sporting activity, the importance that the club holds in their local community, the purpose for which the funding is sought and the use to which it will be put. A sole qualifying requirement is that clubs making application must be properly constituted and hold a valid GS Exemption Number (Games and Sports Exemption Number) that features on the list published by the Office of the Revenue Commissioners on 2nd July 2026.
Closing date for applications is 21st January 2027 with adjudication taking place thereafter.
