Bord Gáis Energy launch 2026 GAA All-Ireland SHC
In attendance at the launch of Bord Gáis Energy’s continued sponsorship of the GAA All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship are Bord Gáis Energy ambassadors and hurling stars Lee Chin of Wexford, Alan Connolly of Cork and Cian O'Sullivan of Dublin, right, with GAA President Jarlath Burns, centre, Catherine Lonergan, Director of Customer and Commercial at Bord Gáis Energy, and Chairman of Bord Gáis Energy Dave Kirwan at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile.
Bord Gáis Energy, one of Ireland’s leading energy services and solutions providers, today announced the continuation of its sponsorship of the 2026 GAA All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship, marking 17 years of partnership with the GAA and reaffirming its commitment to hurling communities across the country.
The announcement was made at a special photocall in Croke Park, where intercounty hurlers Lee Chin (Wexford), Alan Connolly (Cork) and Cian O’Sullivan (Dublin) attended, to mark the launch of this year’s championship season ahead of the competition throwing in later this month.
The launch also marks the next chapter for Bord Gáis Energy, bringing its new KNOW YOUR POWER platform to life through hurling — celebrating the speed, skill and community spirit that power Ireland’s fastest field sport.
In attendance at the launch of Bord Gáis Energy’s continued sponsorship of the GAA All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship are Bord Gáis Energy ambassadors and hurling stars, from left, Lee Chin of Wexford, Cian O'Sullivan of Dublin and Alan Connolly of Cork at Croke Park in Dublin. The announcement marks 17 years of Bord Gáis Energy’s involvement in inter-county hurling and celebrates the excitement, spirit and pride that make the championship and its fans so unique. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile.
Meet the Players
Lee Chin has been a cornerstone of Wexford hurling for over a decade. A powerful presence at centre-forward and midfield, he was instrumental in Wexford's 2019 Leinster Championship victory — the county's first provincial title since 2004. Named captain for 2025, Chin continues to be one of the most influential hurlers in the game, earning back-to-back All-Star nominations in 2024 and 2025. Chin also features in Bord Gáis Energy’s latest ‘Know Your Power’ campaign, celebrating the passion, resilience and energy that define hurling communities across Ireland.
Alan Connolly is one of Cork's most electrifying attacking talents, lining out at full-forward with a natural instinct for goals. His uncles Tom and Jim Cashman won six All-Ireland medals with Cork between 1977 and 1990, while his grandfather Mick Cashman was a substitute on Cork's famous 1952–54 three-in-a-row team — hurling is in his blood. He has scored 25 goals in 44 league and championship appearances, including four competitive hat-tricks, and lined out in back-to-back All-Ireland finals in 2024 and 2025 after a remarkable comeback from a serious shoulder and hamstring injury that cost him the entire 2023 season.
Cian O'Sullivan has emerged as one of Dublin hurling's most important figures in recent seasons. A wing-forward of real quality, he overcame a second serious hamstring reconstruction in 2024 to produce a remarkable comeback campaign in 2025. He finished the 2025 championship as joint top-scorer from play, with 5-22 to his name, and helped Dublin reach the All-Ireland Semi-Final for the first time since 2013. His performances earned him a PwC All-Star award — only the eighth Dublin hurler ever to receive one.
Speaking at the launch, Country Chair of Bord Gáis Energy and Managing Director of Centrica Power Dave Kirwan said: ‘Celebrating 50 years of Bord Gáis Energy reminds us of our enduring connection to communities across Ireland. That connection is why our partnership with the GAA feels so natural. Hurling is powered by energy — from the speed and skill on the pitch to the passion of supporters who follow their counties with pride. The Championship is such a defining part of the Irish sporting calendar and we wish all the players the very best of luck.'
Jarlath Burns, President of the GAA commented:
‘The continued support of Bord Gáis Energy for the GAA All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship is hugely important for our game. Their long-standing partnership has helped champion hurling communities across the country and celebrate the skill, speed and passion that make the sport so special. As another championship begins, we look forward to seeing players and supporters alike bring their own power and energy to what promises to be another outstanding season of hurling.’
The 2026 GAA All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship begins on Saturday 18th April, with Bord Gáis Energy continuing to offer customers exclusive GAA Rewards, including opportunities to win tickets to sold-out fixtures and unique match-day experiences throughout the season.
