Dean Rock, former Dublin footballer, pictured at the launch of EirGrid’s ‘Community Heroes’ campaign at Ballymun Kickhams GAA Club in Dublin. EirGrid, Ireland’s national grid operator, is shining a spotlight on the volunteers who power the GAA community across the country. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
EirGrid, the state-owned company charged with securing the transition of Ireland’s electricity grid to a low carbon future, and official Timing Partner of the GAA and Camogie Championships, has launched a competition to recognise and reward GAA volunteers who sustain and enrich communities across the country.
EirGrid’s Community Heroes campaign, will tour Ireland and shine light on exceptional individuals who have gone above and beyond for their clubs and local areas. The campaign will also include a nationwide competition to celebrate one of Ireland’s most dedicated volunteers.
EirGrid’s support of the Community Heroes campaign and its role as the GAA’s Timing Partner reflect the company’s broader commitment to community engagement and sustainability. As the operator of Ireland’s electricity grid, EirGrid is ensuring a safe, secure, and reliable energy supply, while leading the transition to a cleaner, greener future. 2025 marks a decade of EirGrid’s Timing partnership with the GAA, with the sponsorship now spanning the All-Ireland Football, Hurling, and Camogie Championships.
The content series will feature some of the country’s past and present GAA stars including eight time All Ireland winner with Dublin, and three time All Star, Dean Rock of Ballymun Kickhams, five -time All Star, four-time Munster Championship winner, Waterford and De La Salle great, John Mullane and two time All Ireland winner and 2024 Camogie Player of the Year, Cork star Laura Hayes of St Catherines Camogie.
In the first episode, Dean Rock speaks with Kristoph Juszczak of Ballymun Kickhams who moved to Ireland 20 years ago from Poland and was introduced to the club by former Dublin footballer Paddy Christie. Since then, he has become a cornerstone of the club, volunteering in numerous roles and fully embracing the spirit of the GAA community.
EirGrid is now calling on GAA supporters across the country to nominate a volunteer who has made an extraordinary impact in their club and community. One outstanding volunteer will be selected to win a pair of tickets to the All-Ireland Final, along with a €5,000 donation towards their club’s development. Nominate a Community Hero at www.eirgrid.ie/gaa.
Speaking about the partnership, Cathal Marley Chief Executive of EirGrid said: “The GAA is built on the spirit of community and volunteerism—values we deeply share at EirGrid. Through the Community Heroes campaign, we’re proud to shine a light on the incredible individuals who energise their communities, just as we power the grid driving Ireland’s transition to a low-carbon future. Like the GAA, EirGrid is committed to helping communities thrive across the country.”
Commenting on the launch of the competition, Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael, Jarlath Burns said: “The GAA is about games, but in reality, it is about people. For more than 140 years the GAA has been built on the volunteerism that sees ordinary men and women inspired to give an extraordinary commitment to serve something bigger than themselves and to ensure that the GAA is the incredible success story that it is. In more than 1,600 clubs throughout Ireland and another 500 globally, selfless dedication and commitment is the life-force fuelling our clubs who are the focal point of their communities. We would rue the day we ever took this effort for granted and that is why an initiative like EirGrid’s is a welcome opportunity to recognise people who are ambassadors for the phenomenal work that so many people do to bring the GAA to life day after day, week after week and year after year and pass on a grá for our games ó ghlúin go glúin.”
