Annaghdown GAA Volunteer named EirGrid’s National Community Hero and wins €10,000 for club

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

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.