Thirty grassroots sports clubs across Ireland have received more than €60,000 through the 2026 SPAR and EUROSPAR Community Fund, bringing together the retailers’ support for community sport with their partnership with Team Ireland.
The programme concluded this week following three regional celebration events in Kildare, Galway and Cork, attended by representatives of the successful clubs, local independent SPAR and EUROSPAR retailers and a strong collection of Irish Olympic and Paralympic athletes.
The 30 recipients underline the breadth of sport being played and developed within communities around Ireland.
They range from Fianna Weightlifting Club in Athy and South Dublin Taekwondo in Tallaght to Wexford FC Powerchair Football Club, Kerry Para Badminton Club, Medb’s Dragon Warriors Dragon Boat Club in Sligo and ATU Mayo Kayak Club.
Athletics, football, swimming, basketball, boxing, cycling, rowing and volleyball are also represented among the successful applicants.
The €60,000 fund was established earlier this year as part of SPAR and EUROSPAR’s official retail sponsorship of Team Ireland through partnerships with the Olympic Federation of Ireland and Paralympics Ireland.
It creates an interesting link between investment at the highest level of Irish sport and the clubs and volunteers creating opportunities in local communities.
That connection was reinforced at the regional events through the involvement of SPAR and EUROSPAR Team Ireland ambassadors Fintan McCarthy, Kate O’Connor and Róisín Ní Riain.
They were joined across the celebrations by Ellen Walshe, Katie O’Brien, Sharlene Mawdsley, Nicola Tuthill, Andrew Coscoran, John Shortt, Shauna Bocquet, Lara Gillespie, Fiona Murtagh and Jordan Conroy.
A judging panel led by sports commentator George Hamilton assessed applications for the fund, including representatives from the Olympic Federation of Ireland, Paralympics Ireland, SPAR Ireland and agency partners.
The clubs were asked to demonstrate how they were “Hungry for Success”, with the programme focusing on supporting volunteers, improving facilities and infrastructure, creating pathways for young athletes, and strengthening the role clubs play in their communities.
“Sport lies at the very heart of local communities across Ireland, bringing people together and inspiring the next generation,” said SPAR Sales Director Colin Donnelly.
“Through the SPAR and EUROSPAR Community Fund, we are delighted to celebrate 30 remarkable clubs that truly embody ambition and community spirit.”
EUROSPAR Sales Director Peter Dwan added that the company’s stores took “immense pride in supporting their local communities”.
“Alongside Team Ireland, we are thrilled to present this funding to help these winning clubs build for a bright and successful future.”
The 30 Clubs Receiving Funding
The successful clubs are Bagenalstown AFC, UCL Harps FC, South Dublin Taekwondo, Fianna Weightlifting Club, Evergreen FC, St Joseph’s AC, Laois Marlins Swimming Club, Longford Athletics Club, Albion Rovers FC, Rathkenny Athletics Club, Border Bounce Gym Club, Birr Town AFC, Mullingar Harriers & Athletic Club, Wexford FC Powerchair Football Club and Bulldogs Basketball Club.
Also receiving funding are Inbhear Dee AC, Finn Valley AC, West Coast AC, Leitrim Youth Volleyball Club, ATU Mayo Kayak Club, Moore United FC, North Sligo Athletics Club, Medb’s Dragon Warriors Dragon Boat Club, Cloncastle Boxing Club, Courtmacsherry Rowing Club, Kerry Para Badminton Club, Limerick Celtics Basketball Club, Carrick Wheelers Cycling Club, The Nire Football Club and Déise Pride FC.
The initiative sits alongside SPAR and EUROSPAR’s wider Team Ireland partnership as preparations continue towards the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
For the brands, it also provides a strong local expression of a national sports sponsorship — connecting athletes competing on the international stage with the clubs, volunteers and communities from which Irish sporting success ultimately grows.
Sport for Business Perspective
The most effective sports partnerships increasingly need to demonstrate relevance beyond visibility around major events.
The Community Fund gives SPAR and EUROSPAR a tangible grassroots dimension to their Team Ireland partnership, with investment reaching 30 different clubs and a particularly broad mix of sports, including para sport and less high-profile disciplines.
It is a good example of using an elite sports sponsorship to create a direct connection with community participation and the volunteers who make sport happen every week across Ireland.
The Olympic Federation of Ireland and Paralympics Ireland are full members of Sport for Business. Allianz is our Partner on the Road to LA28.
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Image Credit: Spar
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