Ardee Rugby Club wins €5,000 Texaco Sport Award boost
By ArdeePost Reporter
Ardee Rugby Club has been named the Louth County winner of the prestigious Texaco Support for Sport initiative, securing a €5,000 award to fund vital new equipment.
The grant will go towards purchasing a scrum machine, tackle pads, and rugby balls – resources that will significantly enhance training opportunities for players across all age groups.
Founded in 1980, the club has long been a cornerstone of the local community and is currently experiencing a welcome surge in membership. Recent years have seen substantial investment in facilities, with new showers, a paved car park, and improved pitch and training area lighting helping to create a modern and welcoming environment for players, coaches, and supporters alike.
Now in its fifth year, the Texaco Support for Sport programme, run by Valero Energy (Ireland) Limited, distributes €130,000 annually, shared equally among winning clubs from each county. Since the initiative began, almost €650,000 has been awarded to over 125 sports clubs nationwide.
Ardee Rugby Club now joins an impressive list of Louth winners, which has included Ardee St. Mary’s GFC (2021), Ace Athletic Club, Drogheda (2022), Cooley Kickhams GFC, Carlingford (2023), and Naomh Máirtín CPG (2024).
Congratulating this year’s winners, James Twohig, Director of Ireland Operations at Valero Energy (Ireland) Limited, praised the dedication of sports clubs across the country:
“Since its inception, we are proud to have supported hundreds of clubs who make such an important contribution to local communities. Ardee Rugby Club is a wonderful example of a club run by passionate volunteers whose efforts ensure the sport continues to thrive.”
Overseeing the judging process was programme ambassador and former Irish rugby international Donncha O’Callaghan, who described Ardee Rugby Club as “a very deserving recipient.”
“Congratulations to all at Ardee Rugby Club,” he said. “I’m delighted to see the growth of this fantastic club, and I know the Texaco funds will help 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 programme will open in the New Year, and applications are welcome from all sports clubs – including those not successful in previous years.
The award marks another proud moment for Ardee Rugby Club, as it continues to grow its membership, expand its facilities, and strengthen its role at the heart of the local sporting community.