Killoe Emmet Og the winners of the Longford County award in Texaco Support for Sport initiative

Killoe Emmet Og GAA Club has been chosen winners of the Longford County award in this year’s Texaco Support for Sport initiative. €5,000 has been presented to the Club to improve facilities for the benefit of both members and its wider community.

 Established in 1889, Killoe Emmet Og is a small rural club that prides itself on playing a central role in its local community. More than just a sports organisation, it operates as a social hub, a promoter of Irish culture, a community builder and a host to charity initiatives. In addition, the Club has enjoyed success in the annual GAA Scór competition with activities that celebrate Irish culture through music, dance, storytelling, and drama.

 Now in its fifth year, the Texaco Support for Sport initiative – organised by Valero Energy (Ireland) Limited, the company that markets fuel in Ireland under the Texaco brand – sees a fund of €130,000 set aside annually for allocation in equal amounts of €5,000 to successful applicants chosen on a county-by-county basis. 

Previous Longford winners were Aughnacliffe’s UCL Harps FC (2021), Longford Rugby Football Club (2022), Longford Tennis Club (2023) and Wolfshead Company of Archers (2024).

 Congratulating the county winners on the immense contribution that they make to the heart of community life in Ireland, James Twohig, Director of Ireland Operations, Valero Energy (Ireland) Limited was particularly praiseworthy of the unstinting work of club officials and volunteers, and noted that “since its inception, we are proud to have distributed almost €650,000 to a variety of more than 125 sports clubs under the Texaco Support for Sport initiative.”

 Overseeing the judging process was Texaco Support for Sport ambassador, former Irish rugby international and well-known broadcaster, Donncha O’Callaghan. Commenting, he said: “As adjudicator – and from my knowledge of sport gained at junior, senior and international level – the most reassuring aspect of the Texaco Support for Sport initiative is that it gives clubs rare access to funds which are not linked to popularity, membership size or success.”

 Describing the Longford club as ‘a truly deserving winner’, he went on to add: “Congratulations to all at Killoe Emmet Og GAA – a fantastic club which is integral to its community and holds a  clear vision of what it wants to achieve. Well done.”

 Entries for the 2026 Texaco Support for Sport initiative will open again in the New Year for all clubs, including those whose application may have been unsuccessful previously.

 Further information may be viewed at www.TexacoSupportforSport.com

The presentation to Killoe Emmet Og Chairperson, John Kiernan (fourth right), and fellow club members, was made at the Texaco Service Station, Dublin Road, Longford. Also pictured is Texaco dealer Joe Raleigh (third right), Rachel Raleigh (second right), Conor Shannon (centre) and Maria Kipare (right), from Texaco service station along with Valero Area Sales Manager, Sinéad Fox (second left).