The overall winner of the Cork GAA Sustainable Club Competition has been announced as Bandon GAA Club, receiving a €6,000 grant to support sustainability projects within the club and its community.
Newmarket GAA Club and Kilmichael GAA Club were also recognised among the top three, receiving grants of €3,000 and €1,500 respectively.
The competition invited clubs across the county to showcase initiatives in areas including energy efficiency, water conservation, sustainable travel, waste reduction, biodiversity and community action.
Ten clubs were shortlisted following a strong response to the competition, with entries highlighting the positive environmental work taking place across Cork GAA.
STRONG ENVIRONMENTAL AND COMMUNITY BALANCE
Bandon GAA Club impressed the adjudication committee and PepsiCo with the quality of its submission, the proposed use of the funding and the measurable impact of its sustainability initiatives to date. Its entry demonstrated a strong balance between environmental benefits and positive outcomes for the wider community.
Kilmichael and Newmarket GAA clubs also submitted impressive entries, showcasing projects already completed and ambitious plans in areas including biodiversity, energy reduction and water conservation.
Kevin O’Donovan, CEO of Cork GAA, said, “This competition demonstrates the positive impact our clubs can have, not just within their own facilities but throughout their wider communities. I would like to congratulate Bandon, Kilmichael and Newmarket on their success and thank PepsiCo for their continued support through our Positive Action Partnership. Together, we are showing how small actions can make a big impact for future generations.”
FURTHER SUPPORT
Brian Colgan, Supply Chain Operations Director, PepsiCo Ireland, said that the adjudication committee and PepsiCo were “very impressed with the quality of the submission, the proposed use of funding and the impacts that the club has already made in terms of sustainability, including strong metrics. There was a great balance across environmental and community benefits which were well illustrated throughout”.
The three winning clubs will also receive support from a sustainability expert through two advisory calls to help them develop and progress their projects. The grant funding will support the sustainability projects identified by each club.
Cork GAA would like to thank PepsiCo for its continued support through the Positive Action Partnership and acknowledge Daniel Coleman, Patrick Callnan, Sean Sirr and Brian Colgan for their time and contribution to the competition’s judging panel.
Cork GAA also thanks all clubs that entered the competition for their participation and for sharing the positive work taking place in their communities.
