Ardee Rugby Club has been announced as this year’s Louth County winner in the Texaco Support for Sport initiative, receiving €5,000 to fund new equipment including a scrum machine, tackle pads, and rugby balls.
Founded in 1980, the community-based club is enjoying a surge in membership and has recently invested in major facility upgrades such as new showers, a paved car park, and improved pitch and training area lighting.
Now in its fifth year, the Texaco Support for Sport initiative – organised by Valero Energy (Ireland) Limited, which markets fuel in Ireland under the Texaco brand – allocates €130,000 annually, shared equally among county winners.
Previous recipients in Louth include Ardee St. Mary’s GFC (2021), Ace Athletic Club, Drogheda (2022), Cooley Kickhams GFC, Carlingford (2023), and Naomh Máirtín CPG (2024).
Congratulating the winners, James Twohig, Director of Ireland Operations at Valero Energy (Ireland) Limited, praised the dedication of club officials and volunteers: “Since its inception, we are proud to have distributed almost €650,000 to over 125 sports clubs under the Texaco Support for Sport initiative.”
Overseeing the judging process was programme ambassador, former Irish rugby international Donncha O’Callaghan, who described Ardee Rugby Club as “a very deserving recipient”: “Congratulations to all at Ardee Rugby Club. I’m delighted to see the growth of this fantastic club and I know the Texaco funds will help to purchase important resources which will benefit everyone at the Club, now and into the future.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the next generation of Leinster and Ireland players emerging from Louth.”
Entries for the 2026 Texaco Support for Sport initiative will open in the New Year and are welcome from all clubs, including those unsuccessful in previous years.
