Longford Athletics Club celebrated as part of SPAR 's nationwide community fund
Attendees had the opportunity to meet SPAR and EUROSPAR Team Ireland ambassador and multi-event athlete Kate O’Connor, alongside fellow Team Ireland athletes Ellen Walshe and Jordan Conroy
LONGFORD Athletics Club has been celebrated as part of the nationwide SPAR and EUROSPAR Community Fund which will see over €60,000 in vital funding awarded to 30 grassroots sports clubs nationwide.
The special presentation lunch at Lawlor’s Hotel in Naas is the first of three regional celebration events taking place across the country to recognise and celebrate this year’s winning clubs.
The presentation lunch on Monday brought together winning clubs spanning 14 counties to celebrate their dedication and commitment to grassroots sport.
Attendees had the opportunity to meet SPAR and EUROSPAR Team Ireland ambassador and multi-event athlete Kate O’Connor, alongside fellow Team Ireland athletes Katie O’Brien (Paralympic Rowing), Ellen Walshe (Swimming), Jordan Conroy (Rugby Sevens) and Lara Gillespie (Track Cycling).
SPAR and EUROSPAR retailers from across the region also joined the celebrations to recognise the achievements of their local clubs.
The €60,000 SPAR and EUROSPAR Community Fund was launched earlier this year to support 30 grassroots sports clubs at all levels across Ireland. The initiative forms an integral part of SPAR and EUROSPAR’s official retail sponsorship of Team Ireland, in partnership with the Olympic Federation of Ireland (OFI) and Paralympics Ireland (PI), as Irish athletes build towards the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Following applications submitted nationwide, entries were evaluated by an expert judging panel led by iconic Irish sports commentator George Hamilton, who also provided the voiceover for SPAR and EUROSPAR’s national radio campaign. The judging panel comprised representatives from the Olympic Federation of Ireland, Paralympics Ireland, SPAR Ireland and agency partners.
The initiative builds on SPAR and EUROSPAR’s long-standing dedication to championing Irish sport at both grassroots and elite levels. By encouraging clubs to showcase how they are 'Hungry for Success', the fund focuses on empowering local volunteers, improving club infrastructure, and creating lasting pathways for young athletes, while strengthening community engagement across local towns and villages nationwide.
Commenting on the announcement, Colin Donnelly, SPAR Sales Director, said:
“Sport lies at the very heart of local communities across Ireland, bringing people together and inspiring the next generation. 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: “EUROSPAR and SPAR stores take 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.”