Longford Sport Clubs eligible for Spar and Eurospar €60,000 Community Fund
Irish heptathlon and indoor pentathlon sensation Kate O’Connor one of the ambassadors for the scheme
Leading retail groups SPAR and EUROSPAR announced a significant evolution of their Official Retail Partnership with The Olympic Federation of Ireland and Paralympics Ireland. This exciting development proudly introduces a stellar lineup of new SPAR and EUROSPAR Ambassadors, including Olympic gold medallist rower Fintan McCarthy, Irish heptathlon and indoor pentathlon sensation Kate O’Connor, Paralympic medallist swimmer Róisín Ní Riain, and Table Tennis Paralympian Colin Judge.
As Team Ireland intensifies its preparations for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, SPAR and EUROSPAR are also proud to launch the SPAR and EUROSPAR Community Fund 2026, reinforcing their commitment to supporting Irish sport from the grassroots up.
With a strong heritage of giving back to local communities, the SPAR and EUROSPAR Community Fund will see a substantial €60,000 awarded to 30 sports clubs across the country. This initiative is designed to empower local clubs, helping them to nurture future talent and provide vital facilities and support within their communities.
Clubs nationwide are invited to apply for the Community Fund 2026 by submitting a short application showcasing how their club is truly ‘Hungry For Success’ – demonstrating their passion, commitment, and vision for growth. Entries are now open and will close on Wednesday, July 8th. Following the judging period, successful clubs will be notified, and winners will be invited to a special event across July and August to receive their prize.
The launch of the Community Fund is supported by a stellar lineup of Team Ireland heroes, who will serve as SPAR and EUROSPAR Ambassadors: double Olympic Champion rower Fintan McCarthy, Irish heptathlon and indoor pentathlon record breaker Kate O’Connor, two-time Paralympic swimming medallist Róisín Ní Riain, and two-time Paralympian and former European Para Table Tennis Champion Colin Judge. These athletes embody the dedication and community spirit that the fund aims to foster.
This partnership builds on SPAR and EUROSPAR’s extensive heritage of supporting local and elite sports, which includes sponsoring the European Athletics Championships since 1996, supporting more than 80 competitions, and consistently promoting healthy living through sport and a balanced diet. SPAR and EUROSPAR have a long-standing track record of serving local Irish communities since the first store opened in 1963, giving back and investing significantly in community and charity programmes to support local causes, community clubs and groups.
Kate O’Connor, Irish heptathlon and indoor pentathlon and SPAR and EUROSPAR Ambassador, said: “I'm thrilled to be involved in launching the SPAR and EUROSPAR Community Fund. My own journey started in local clubs, and I understand the immense dedication of coaches and volunteers, and the need for proper facilities and equipment to help athletes thrive.
“This fund will be a huge boost for 30 clubs, helping them to cultivate talent and encourage that 'Hungry For Success' mentality from a young age. It’s fantastic to see SPAR and EUROSPAR investing directly back into the communities that nurture our future sporting stars.”