Bord Gáis Energy today launched its new #HurlingToTheCore campaign at Croke Park to mark the beginning of a summer of hurling.

#HurlingToTheCore celebrates Bord Gáis Energy’s belief that hurling is more than a sport or pastime - it is deeply ingrained in Irish history and stitched into our national identity.  

Over the course of the summer, through their partnership with the GAA, Bord Gáis Energy will shine a light on people who are #HurlingToTheCore in communities around Ireland. 

Some are past players whose lives have taken them away from hurling and some are fans who never miss a game.  

First up is a video featuring Munster and Ireland rugby star Simon Zebo.  Fans can see the video on Bord Gáis Energy’s social media channels.   

Simon is one of a team of **#HurlingToTheCore **ambassadors.  Fellow ambassadors Joe Canning (Galway), Conor McDonald (Wexford) and Patrick Curran (Waterford) were at GAA Headquarters today.  Joe and Conor have previously been ambassadors for the GAA All-Ireland U-21 Hurling Championship, while Patrick is currently in that role.   They helped perform the launch alongside Bord Gáis Energy Managing Director Dave Kirwan and GAA Director General Paraic Duffy.  

Speaking at the event Dave Kirwan said: “Our sponsorships are all about what matters to our customers, and hurling most certainly matters to them.  That’s why we’re delighted that, through our Rewards Club, we’ll be able to bring them and their families closer to the action.  

“We’ll be offering exclusive access to tickets and competitions, and even chances to participate on match-day at the big games - at both senior and U-21 level.  We’ll be giving customers the chance to present the official man-of-the-match trophy after games or to welcome teams onto the pitch as flag bearers and much, much more.  

“Our customers are ‘hurling to the core’ and we’ll recognise that right across the summer.”  

Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Aogán Ó Fearghail added: “Bord Gáis Energy has been a long and loyal supporter of the GAA and, more specifically, hurling.  They understand the game and appreciate how we want to see the game developed.  That is why I believe the #HurlingToTheCore message is very apt.  

“You can see that in the ambassadors they have here today.  They’ve developed long term relationships with players who are the embodiment of #HurlingToTheCore like Joe and Conor, while Patrick’s presence, representing the U-21 All-Ireland champions, shows they intend to continue that into the future.  

“I’m looking forward to seeing lots of #HurlingToTheCore stories being told by Bord Gáis Energy this summer and beyond.”  

This will be Bord Gáis Energy’s first year as a sponsor of the GAA All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship, but the company has a long association with the GAA and particularly hurling. 

This is the company’s ninth year as sponsor of the U-21 hurling championship and it also sponsors the GAA Legends Tours at Croke Park.  

For news, updates and competitions, fans should check out www.facebook.com/BordGaisEnergyGAA and look out for #HurlingToTheCore on all of Bord Gáis Energy’s social media channels.