The Texaco Support for Sport initiative has returned for a sixth year, with €130,000 in funding available to sports clubs across Ireland. Run by Valero Energy (Ireland), which markets fuel under the Texaco brand, the programme will award €5,000 to one successful sports club in each of the 26 counties. Since its introduction, the initiative has distributed more than €600,000 to over 125 clubs throughout the country, supporting everything from GAA, rugby and soccer to cycling, swimming, boxing, athletics, rowing and a wide variety of minority sports.
Applications are open to properly constituted sports clubs regardless of their size, membership, sporting discipline or previous success in the programme. Clubs that have applied unsuccessfully in previous years are also welcome to enter again. Funding can be sought for projects including improvements to facilities, equipment and initiatives designed to increase participation or strengthen a club’s contribution to its local community.
Former Ireland rugby international and broadcaster Donncha O’Callaghan will once again lead the judging process as Texaco Support for Sport ambassador. O’Callaghan said one of the strengths of the programme is that every club has an equal opportunity to receive funding regardless of its size, discipline or competitive success. James Twohig, Director of Ireland Operations at Valero Energy (Ireland), said sports clubs remain an integral part of communities across Ireland and that the funding is designed to help them continue the work they do for members and their wider communities.
Applications for the 2026 Texaco Support for Sport programme are now open through the dedicated Texaco Support for Sport website. Clubs will need to outline their sporting activities, their importance within their local community and how they intend to use the €5,000 award. Applicants must also hold a valid Games and Sports Exemption Number appearing on the Revenue Commissioners’ list published on 2 July 2026. The closing date for applications is 21 January 2027, with the successful clubs to be selected following the subsequent judging process.
