The major utility company of Ireland Bord Gáis Energy recently announced the renewal of its long-standing sponsorship of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship (the highest-tier annual inter-County hurling competition organized by the GAA) thus extending one of Irish sport’s most recognized partnerships into a new era focused on energy sustainability.
The new agreement will run for a further three seasons, from 2027 to 2030, continuing the Bord Gáis Energy’s commitment to supporting the Gaelic games and the local communities across Ireland.
‘gaa.ie’ stated that marking 17 years of partnership with the GAA the Bord Gáis Energy will also become the Official Energy Sustainability Partner of the GAA and the Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland, under the renewed agreement.
Dublin (Ireland)-based Bord Gáis Energy generates, sells and trades energy for use in the Republic of Ireland. They have been in operation since 1976 and today they supply over 750,000 customers with energy in Ireland.
Dublin (Ireland)-based the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) is an Irish international amateur sporting and cultural organization focused primarily on promoting the indigenous Gaelic games and pastimes which include the traditional Irish sports of hurling, camogie, Gaelic football, Gaelic handball, and the GAA rounders.
The 82,300-seat Croke Park is a Gaelic games stadium in Dublin, Ireland. Named after Archbishop Thomas Croke it is referred to as Croker by the GAA fans and the locals. It is the headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA). Since 1891 the site has been used by the GAA to host Gaelic sports including the annual All-Ireland Finals in Gaelic football and hurling.
Expanded Partnership
‘gaa.ie’ further stated that the expanded partnership will see the Bord Gáis Energy support the GAA in driving energy efficiency use and emissions across Croke Park and the wider GAA community through renewable electricity, smarter energy management and sustainable energy solutions for the clubs nationwide.
As part of the partnership:
- Behind every game at the Croke Park the electricity powering technologies such as the Hawk-Eye, the scoreboards and the stadium operations is sourced from renewable energy;
- A new energy insights management system will be installed at the Croke Park providing clear visibility on how much energy is used, where it is consumed across the stadium and at what times – empowering the GAA to make informed decisions around energy consumption and identify the most appropriate solutions to support a more sustainable future; and
- Dedicated offers on smart energy solutions for the GAA clubs across Ireland including a discount of up to €1,500 on the solar panel installation delivered by the Bord Gáis Energy’s trusted net zero engineers.
‘Energizing Communities’
The Chairman of Bord Gáis Energy Dave Kirwan said, “As the Bord Gáis Energy marks 50 years of energizing homes, the businesses and the communities across Ireland we are proud to renew a partnership that means so much to our customers, colleagues and the hurling supporters nationwide. The GAA All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship is one of the great highlights of the Irish summer and we are excited to continue supporting the games, the players and the communities that make it so special.”
‘Sustainable Future’
Commented Catherine Lonergan, Director, Customer and Commercial, Bord Gáis Energy, “Becoming the Official Energy Sustainability Partner to the GAA and the Croke Park is an important step for the Bord Gáis Energy and reflects the practical role we want to play in helping the communities transition to a more sustainable future. This partnership is about delivering real solutions, from renewable electricity and smarter energy management at the Croke Park to helping the GAA clubs across Ireland explore the sustainable energy solutions. By giving the GAA better visibility of energy use and supporting the clubs with practical ways to become more energy-efficient we can help build a more sustainable future for the games and the communities behind them.”
‘Sustainability Benchmarks’
Jarlath Burns, President of the GAA, expressed enthusiasm for the continued alliance, “Our fans’ passion for the game is matched only by their passion for the communities they live in. The Bord Gáis Energy partnership will focus on reducing our environmental impact as we continue to set new benchmarks in sustainability in the sports stadiums.”
Solar Panel Installation
To mark the announcement the GAA clubs across Ireland will be able to access a discount of up to €1,500 on solar panel installation with the Bord Gáis Energy alongside a €125 credit towards their electricity bill with the Bord Gáis Energy.
The renewed partnership comes as the Bord Gáis Energy celebrates 50 years of energizing homes, businesses and the communities across Ireland. The company continues to invest in renewable and lower-carbon energy solutions as part of its ambition to help drive Ireland’s transition to net zero.
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