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.
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
23 January 2012
GAA Player Dies In Training
A young GAA player has collapsed during training and died in a suspected case of Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS). Ciaran Carr, 20, from Clondalkin, Co Dublin, died as he was training with his local Round Towers GAA Club on Friday evening. He was participating in an indoor circuit training session when he suddenly fell forward and collapsed.
GAA Player Dies In Training
A young GAA player has collapsed during training and died in a suspected case of Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS). Ciaran Carr, 20, from Clondalkin, Co Dublin, died as he was training with his local Round Towers GAA Club on Friday evening. He was participating in an indoor circuit training session when he suddenly fell forward and collapsed.
12 August 2013
Children Rescued By Sligo Coastguard
A group of children, aged between nine and 12, have been rescued by the Sligo Coastguard after their boats were caught in a swell this afternoon. The children, who were on a sailing course in Sligo Bay, were in five sailing dinghies at the time. Two of the boats overturned, however one of the boats made it to shore.
Children Rescued By Sligo Coastguard
A group of children, aged between nine and 12, have been rescued by the Sligo Coastguard after their boats were caught in a swell this afternoon. The children, who were on a sailing course in Sligo Bay, were in five sailing dinghies at the time. Two of the boats overturned, however one of the boats made it to shore.
25 April 2008
Robbie Keane's Car Seized By Police
Irish soccer international Robbie Keane has had his car seized by police in England on suspicion of speeding. Officers impounded the Tottenham striker's Range Rover because he did not have a valid driving licence.
Robbie Keane's Car Seized By Police
Irish soccer international Robbie Keane has had his car seized by police in England on suspicion of speeding. Officers impounded the Tottenham striker's Range Rover because he did not have a valid driving licence.
11 February 2014
McManamon Cleared Of Broken Jaw Assault Charge
Former Dublin footballer, Brendan McManamon, has been cleared of breaking the jaw of an off-duty garda officer during a match. 31-year-old McManamon, of Cypress Downs, Templeogue, pleaded not guilty to a charge of assault at Na Fianna GAA Club, St Mobhi Road, Glasnevin on 31 March 2012.
McManamon Cleared Of Broken Jaw Assault Charge
Former Dublin footballer, Brendan McManamon, has been cleared of breaking the jaw of an off-duty garda officer during a match. 31-year-old McManamon, of Cypress Downs, Templeogue, pleaded not guilty to a charge of assault at Na Fianna GAA Club, St Mobhi Road, Glasnevin on 31 March 2012.
15 January 2013
Former GAA Coach Jailed For Sexual Abuse Of Boys
A former hurling coach has been jailed for two years after being found guilty of the sexual abuse of two boys.
Former GAA Coach Jailed For Sexual Abuse Of Boys
A former hurling coach has been jailed for two years after being found guilty of the sexual abuse of two boys.
-
Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A warm and sunny evening then remaining dry and clear overnight across all parts. The odd patchy of cloud will develop overnight. Light or moderate east or northeast winds. Minimum temperature 12 °C.