Clare Badgers receive €5,000 award under Texaco Support for Sport initiative

The Clare Badgers Inline Hockey Club have been chosen as winners of the Clare County award in this year’s Texaco Support for Sport initiative. €5,000 has now been presented to the club to upgrade facilities, ensuring access to top resources and subsidising equipment costs, making the sport more accessible to families.

Proud to play a vital role in the Ennistymon and North Clare community, Clare Badgers has achieved significant success – winning the League 1 Inline Hockey Championships in 2024, bringing immense pride to the area. The club’s inclusive approach welcomes players of all ages and genders, whilst also engaging in community service and organising events that help strengthen community bonds and support local causes. 

Now in its fifth year, the Texaco Support for Sport initiative is organised by Valero Energy (Ireland) Limited, the company that markets fuel in Ireland under the Texaco brand. A fund of €130,000 is set aside annually for allocation in equal amounts of €5,000 to successful applicants chosen on a county-by-county basis.

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Previous Clare winners include Shannon Jets Basketball Club (2021), Ennis Hockey Club (2022), Clare Comets Basketball Club (2023) and Ennis Rugby Football Club (2024).

Congratulating the winners on their immense contributions to community life in Ireland, James Twohig, Director of Ireland Operations at Valero Energy (Ireland) Limited, was particularly praising the work of club officials and volunteers. He noted that “since its inception, we are proud to have distributed almost €650,000 to a variety of more than 125 sports clubs under the Texaco Support for Sport initiative.”

Overseeing the judging process was Texaco Support for Sport ambassador, former Irish rugby star and well-known broadcaster, Donncha O’Callaghan. Commenting, he said, “As adjudicator – and from my knowledge of sport gained at junior, senior and international level – the most reassuring aspect of the Texaco Support for Sport initiative is that it gives clubs rare access to funds which are not linked to popularity, membership size or success.”

Describing the Clare club as "a very worthy winner," he went on to add: “In any emerging sport, funding is vital for establishment. Hopefully, this Texaco funding will allow the Badgers to grow and continue to do incredible and inclusive work in their local community . Well done to all at the club – go Badgers!”

Entries for the 2026 Texaco Support for Sport initiative will open again in the New Year for all clubs, including those whose application may have been unsuccessful previously.

Further information can be found at www.TexacoSupportforSport.com