Croí the west of Ireland Heart and Stroke Charity is delighted to benefit from a jersey sponsorship of Naomh Padraig GAA, thanks to a sponsorship gift from a local Mayo businessman.

Naomh Pádraig GAA Club is an amalgamation of Lacken, Ballycastle, Kilfian, and Killala and provide underage football with teams at all levels from U7's up to U21's. Local businessman Padraig Mitchell owner of Healy’s Bar in Ballycastle, received a triple bypass eight years ago, his friend Barry Cox of Ballycastle, a long serving member of CLG Naomh Pádraig, suffered a stroke seven years ago. Both men are grateful beneficiaries of the services provided by Croí following their experiences. Sadly, Padraig's brother Martin suffered a heart attack four years ago and passed away. As a result of this, Padraig is a passionate advocate of heart health and supports Croí in many fundraising and health awareness efforts within the community.

Having hosted and joined in many Croí campaigns, Padraig has also been integral in bringing lifesaving equipment to the local communities, overseeing the installation of three defibrillators - one at the athletics track in Belleek, Ballina, one at Ballycastle GAA Club and one in his own pub, Healy’s, in Ballycastle. 

This year Padraig has kindly sponsored a set of jerseys for Naomh Pádraig with help from Barry Cox. In recognition of the work that Croí do throughout Mayo communities through their Third Age Mayo Project, the Croí Heart & Stroke logo will appear on the front of the club’s jersey.

Paul Cunnane, Project Coordinator, Croí Third Age Mayo Project, said: “Croí is delighted to accept this generous branding opportunity from Padraig and Barry, and this will ensure that Croí will continue to be a well-recognised support service for people in the west. Croí’s mission is to prevent disease, save lives and promote recovery and well-being, and linking in with a local sporting organisation like Naomh Pádraig GAA Club will greatly help us to share our message throughout communities. We would like to thank Padraig and Barry for their generosity."