Eamon McGee encourages GAA clubs to nominate volunteer community heroes

Eamon McGee, former Donegal GAA star, is encouraging local clubs to nominate a volunteer as part of EiGrid’s GAA Community Heroes Campaign 2026.  

The campaign recognises the role that GAA volunteers play in enriching and sustaining communities through a nationwide competition. 

EirGrid, the operator and developer of Ireland’s electricity grid, is committed to engaging with local communities as it works to ensure a safe, secure, and reliable energy supply for everyone.  

Last year’s Community Heroes campaign received many exceptional entries and was ultimately won by Mary Cooke of Naomh Bríd GAA in Laghey, Co Donegal.  

For 2026, the campaign has been widened to recognise more inspirational volunteers from around the country. A preliminary round will see four provincial winners and four runners-up selected.   

The provincial winners’ designated clubs will each receive €5,000, while there will be awards of €1,500 to the clubs of the runners-up.  

An overall national winner will be selected from the provincial winners, and their club will receive an additional €5,000, for a total award of €10,000.   

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Speaking at the recent launch of the campaign in Croke Park, Eamon McGee said: “Volunteers are really what make the GAA, and without them the GAA would not be the successful organisation that it is.  

“Volunteers give so much to their local clubs in terms of their time and commitment, often with very little recognition. I think that there is a really powerful message in that for all of us.  

“As I see my own kids now getting involved in GAA, I recognise the commitment and willingness to give back to the local community of volunteers that I saw in so many as I was growing up in my own club of Gaoth Dobhair. 

“Everyone involved in a GAA club will know someone who is a GAA Community Hero. Often it is the person who gets the least recognition, so this is a great way to say thank you and to shine a light on all volunteers in local clubs and communities.”  

More details and how to enter EirGrid’s GAA Community Heroes campaign can be found at: eirgrid.ie/gaa