EirGrid Community Heroes National GAA Volunteer Competition

EirGrid, the operator and developer of Ireland’s electricity grid, and official Timing Partner of the GAA and Camogie Championships, is celebrating outstanding GAA volunteers who give their time to their clubs, in our Community Heroes Campaign for 2026.  

Now in its second year, the campaign recognises the role GAA volunteers play in enriching and sustaining communities around the country through a nationwide competition.  It also reflects EirGrid’s broader commitment and emphasis on engaging with local communities.  

As the operator of Ireland’s electricity grid, EirGrid is working to ensure a safe, secure, and reliable energy supply, while leading the transition to a cleaner, greener future.  

EirGrid is delighted to announce that Marie Turkington of Annaghdown Camogie Club, Co Galway, has been named as the overall national winner of the 2026 GAA Community Heroes contest.

Having recently been announced as the winner of the Connacht round, Marie then joined the winners from Ulster, Leinster and Munster in the final round of this year’s competition. 

As EirGrid works to ensure a safe, secure, and reliable energy supply for everyone, it is committed to engaging with and empowering communities. EirGrid’s Community Heroes campaign seeks to honour the remarkable GAA volunteers who give their time, energy, and dedication to help their clubs and communities flourish. 

Marie embodies these qualities of a Community Hero and is at the very heart of her club. Originally from Belfast, Marie has fully immersed herself in the fabric of GAA life in Annaghdown and is a founding member of the camogie club which was established in 2022.

In nominating Marie, her club praised her dedication, commitment and ability to bring people together. As well as serving as Vice Chair, Marie is the manager of the U13 and U12 teams. She also co-ordinates the club’s social camogie team, ensuring that participation is inclusive and enjoyable for all ages, and has helped to transform the club’s social media presence.

Sinead Dooley, EirGrid’s Head of Public Engagement, said: “EirGrid has been delighted to honour the contribution of GAA volunteers to clubs and communities across Ireland as part of this year’s GAA Community Heroes Campaign.

“Our congratulations to Marie Turkington of Annaghdown Camogie Club on being named as the overall national winner. Her obvious commitment to her club and community is inspiring and the essence of what a Community Hero represents.

“EirGrid is proud to recognise such dedication and commitment to local communities.”

As the outstanding entry from the Connacht round of the competition, Marie won €5,000 on behalf of Annaghdown Camogie Club. 

The club will now receive an additional €5,000 in prize money in recognition of Marie being named as the overall national winner. Marie will also receive two tickets to see Galway in the All-Ireland Hurling Final.

Ulster

Nicola Dunnion of Four Masters GAA, Donegal Town, has been awarded the top prize in the Ulster region in this year's competition. Nicola was recognised for her huge contribution to the club, including her work with young female players, fundraising, sponsorship, and serving on the club executive.

The runner-up in Ulster was Eileen Clarke of Bailieborough Shamrocks in Co Cavan, whose many contributions include serving as chairperson, cooking meals, and organising social events for older people in the community.

Connacht

Marie Turkington of Annaghdown Camogie Club, Co Galway came out on top in Connacht. Marie was celebrated for her varied work in the club, including serving as vice chair, coaching junior teams, and helping young players develop. She is also the club's PRO, establishing a strong social media presence, and is deeply involved in fundraising.

The runner-up in Connacht was Cathal McCormack of Tulsk Lord Edwards GAA, Co Roscommon, who was recognised for his work as co-treasurer, alongside coaching underage teams and fundraising.

Leinster

Liam Hoban of Whitehall Colmcille GAA in Co Dublin was chosen as the Leinster winner, in recognition of his hard work and dedication to the club, particulary his work with club camps, juvenile teams and club events.

The runner-up in Leinster was Laura Mooney of Slieverue, Co Kilkenny, who was nominated for her great work in reviving camogie in the club, alongside her efforts in fundraising and mental health awareness.

Munster

Liam Evans of St James’ GAA in Clonakilty, Co Cork has been awarded the top prize in the Munster region in this year's competition, with Wally O’Neill of CLG Fionnúir, Co Waterford recognised as runner-up. 

Liam was nominated for his work as a coach and mentor, along with his day-to-day contributions to keeping the club running smoothly, including preparing pitches and facilities. He is also involved in fundraising and infrastructure.

Wally was also honoured for his fundraising contributions, as well as his coaching and mentoring.

Inspiring commitment

Speaking after the winners were announced, Sinead Dooley, EirGrid’s Head of Public Engagement, said: "EirGrid was delighted to receive such a large number of truly deserving entries, all demonstrating the exceptional amount of time and energy that volunteers in the GAA give to help their clubs and communities flourish. 

"Their commitment is inspiring and EirGrid is proud to be able to recognise and award such dedication. Like the GAA, EirGrid is dedicated to empowering and supporting communities to thrive across the country."

Speaking about the GAA Community Heroes Campaign, EirGrid’s Chief Executive Cathal Marley said:  "Following on from the success of EirGrid’s GAA Community Heroes Campaign in 2025, I am delighted that we are running the campaign again this year to recognise the important work done by volunteers in supporting and sustaining local clubs around the country.  

"These ideas of community and volunteerism are ones that we share at EirGrid. We are committed to engaging with local communities and recognise the important role that they play in supporting our work in developing the electricity grid to ensure a more reliable and secure supply of electricity for everyone."

Commenting on the launch of the competition, Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Jarlath Burns said:  “It is fantastic to see the launch again this year of EirGrid’s GAA Community Heroes Campaign.  

"As we all know, volunteers are the backbone not just of our local clubs, but also of local communities across Ireland.  

"For more than 140 years the GAA has been built on the volunteerism that sees ordinary men and women inspired to give an extraordinary commitment to serve something bigger than themselves and to ensure that the GAA is the incredible success story that it is. 

"The Community Heroes Campaign is a great way in which we can recognise the vital role and fantastic work of volunteers in sustaining their clubs and communities."

In the inaugural competition, we invited GAA supporters across Ireland to nominate their Community Hero -  someone who gives their time, heart, and energy so others can shine.

These heroes energise the GAA and their communities – just as EirGrid powers Ireland’s energy transition.

Lots of worthy names were put forward – but one exceptional volunteer was chosen to win a pair of All-Ireland final tickets, and a €5,000 donation for her club’s development.

Mary Cooke of Naomh Bríd GAA, Laghey, Co Donegal, 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, founded a Mothers and Others team, and led major initiatives, including the club’s largest fundraiser, which raised over €100,000. 

She also launched a club shop and 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 awarded Naomh Bríd GAA a €5,000 donation, and Mary was also presented with two tickets to the All-Ireland Football Final in July.