Watch: South Donegal woman wins EirGrid Community Hero Volunteer Competition

EirGrid has named Mary Cooke of Naomh Bríd GAA, Laghey, as the winner of its 2025 Community Hero volunteer competition.

Over the course of the summer, the Community Heroes campaign honoured the remarkable volunteers who are the driving force behind Gaelic Games, those who give their time, energy, and dedication to help their clubs and communities flourish.

Mary Cooke embodies the spirit of community and volunteerism that the EirGrid Community Hero award seeks to recognise. Despite being a non-native of the parish and having no previous involvement in the GAA, Mary immersed herself wholeheartedly in the life of the club through her young children.

Over the past decade, she has served as treasurer of Bord na nÓg, co-ordinates a Mothers and Others team, and led major initiatives, including the club’s largest fundraiser, which raised over €100,000. She also played a central role in opening the floodlit walking track. Her dedication, innovation, and ability to unite others have left a lasting legacy in the club and wider community.

To recognise her outstanding contributions, EirGrid has awarded Naomh Bríd GAA a €5,000 donation, and Mary was also presented with two tickets to the All-Ireland Football Final in July.

As part of the Community Heroes campaign, EirGrid launched a short form content series which featured some of the country’s past and present GAA stars including eight time All Ireland winner with Dublin, Dean Rock of Ballymun Kickhams, five -time All Star, Waterford and De La Salle great, John Mullane and two time All Ireland winner and 2024 Camogie Player of the Year, Cork star Laura Hayes of St Catherines Camogie.

EirGrid’s support of the Community Heroes campaign and its role as the GAA’s Timing Partner reflect the company’s broader commitment to community engagement and sustainability. As the operator of Ireland’s electricity grid, EirGrid is ensuring a safe, secure, and reliable energy supply, while leading the transition to a cleaner, greener future.

Speaking about the partnership, Cathal Marley Chief Executive of EirGrid said: "I would like to congratulate Mary on winning the Community Hero competition. Her story perfectly reflects what makes the GAA so special, a spirit of belonging, generosity and determination that transforms clubs and communities alike. EirGrid is proud to honour volunteers like Mary, whose passion and commitment inspire those around them. Like the GAA, EirGrid is dedicated to empowering and supporting communities to thrive across the country.”