07/07/2026
Annaghdown Volunteer Crowned EirGrid National Community Hero
EirGrid has announced that Marie Turkington of Annaghdown Camogie Club, Co. Galway, is the overall national winner of its 2026 GAA Community Heroes competition.
After being selected as the Connacht winner, Turkington advanced to the national final alongside the provincial champions from Ulster, Leinster and Munster. The campaign recognises outstanding GAA volunteers whose time, energy and dedication help clubs and communities to prosper, reflecting EirGrid's engagement with and support for communities while providing a safe, secure and reliable energy supply.
Originally from Belfast, Turkington has become central to GAA life in Annaghdown and helped establish the camogie club in 2022. Her club highlighted her commitment and talent for uniting people. She serves as Vice Chair and manages the U13 and U12 teams, co-ordinates the Social Camogie team to promote inclusive participation for all ages, and has revitalised 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 top entry from Connacht, Turkington won €5,000 for Annaghdown Camogie Club. The club will receive a further €5,000 following her national win, bringing the total prize to €10,000. Turkington will also receive two tickets to see Galway in the All-Ireland Hurling Final.
After being selected as the Connacht winner, Turkington advanced to the national final alongside the provincial champions from Ulster, Leinster and Munster. The campaign recognises outstanding GAA volunteers whose time, energy and dedication help clubs and communities to prosper, reflecting EirGrid's engagement with and support for communities while providing a safe, secure and reliable energy supply.
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 top entry from Connacht, Turkington won €5,000 for Annaghdown Camogie Club. The club will receive a further €5,000 following her national win, bringing the total prize to €10,000. Turkington will also receive two tickets to see Galway in the All-Ireland Hurling Final.
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