EirGrid Community Heroes National GAA Volunteer Competition

EirGrid, proud Timing Partner of the GAA and Camogie Championships, is celebrating the incredible people who power Gaelic Games across the country - the volunteers.

From lining pitches to coaching future stars, volunteers are the heartbeat of the GAA. Through our Community Heroes campaign, we’re highlighting individuals who go above and beyond for their clubs and communities.

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 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.