Centra, as proud sponsors of the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship, have teamed up with Wexford’s Lee Chin and Cork’s Patrick Horgan to launch the Centra Community Matters campaign, which will call on people across Ireland to show what matters most to them in their local community.

Whatever else, the Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of community and what truly matters most to people across the country. Communities don’t happen by chance, they happen by choice. While the harshness of the last year also highlighted the lengths that are communities are willing to go to protect the most vulnerable, Covid-19 restrictions showcased just how central sport and the GAA are to community life throughout Ireland.

Centra, proud sponsors of the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship for the 12th year, have teamed up with Wexford’s Lee Chin and Cork’s Patrick Horgan to celebrate these communities and in particular, the strong bonds people have developed with their communities over the past 15 months.

Centra’s Community Matters campaign, supported by a heavyweight TV and outdoor campaign, will feature a Championship-long social competition to celebrateIreland’scommunities and will call on the public to submit what matters most to them about their locality. Each week will focus on a different theme with prizes up for grabs for the winning entries. All weekly winners will be put into a draw to determine the overall winner to be announced in the lead up to the GAA All-Ireland Senior Hurling Final on Sunday 22nd August 2021. Centra’s Community Matters competition goes live today across Centra’s social media channels – Facebook, Twitter & Instagram.

Speaking at the launch, Wexford hurler Lee Chin said: “Every time I take to the field, I know that in representing my county I am also representing my community. It is a privilege I have never taken for granted. As a team we always appreciate the support we get. This last year has really highlighted the support that we all get from our communities away from the pitch, and the positive impact being a part of a community has on daily life.”

Cork Hurler Patrick Horgan added: “As a player I can’t overstate how great it is to be back on the pitch and get the chance to represent our communities and people with pride. This last year, whilst incredibly challenging, it has also given me a greater sense of appreciation of my community; both the people and the places. This shared experience has shown us all just how much community matters. I am delighted to team up with Centra to celebrate the many great things about Irish communities.”

Centra Marketing Director Ray Kelly said: “We are extremely proud to once again be sponsoring the GAA All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship for an eleventh season. People have made extraordinary sacrifices over the last year and with light at the end of the tunnel, our community matters campaign aims to showcase and celebrate what matters most in communities across Ireland.”

To see how Centra will champion communities across Ireland, follow #CommunityMatters, @CentraIRL on Twitter, @centra_irl on Instagram and www.facebook.com/CentraIreland