Tipperary hockey club is rewarded for its playing its part in the local community

Nenagh Hockey Club has been chosen winners of the Tipperary County award in this year’s Texaco Support for Sport initiative. The club was presented with €5,000 to help fund pitch rental and the addition of new equipment.

A junior hockey club for boys and girls aged 4-18, Nenagh Hockey Club is based at Nenagh College. Membership has expanded rapidly and it aims to be a successful club where success means keeping children of all ages playing sport, being active, socialising and having fun, irrespective of ability.

“Nenagh Hockey Club is thrilled to have been selected as the Tipperary Winner for this year’s Texaco Support for Sport. These generous funds will be put to good use encouraging young people of all abilities and backgrounds to get active and play hockey.

"We will use this money to add to our existing programmes for young people with disabilities as well as extend our reach to minority groups in the area.

"Some new gear for our existing teams especially our U18 and U16 girls will be on the shopping list too! Hockey is a fantastic Olympic sport - it is very social and can be played from age four right through to the senior years and it is a sport that is growing quickly in Tipperary as it is an excellent compliment to hurling and camogie.

"We would like to thank the people at Texaco Support for Sport for running this super initiative and continuing to help Clubs in Tipperary and across the country to keep communities active and healthy," said Olivia Burke, club secretary.

Overseeing the judging process was Texaco Support for Sport ambassador, former Irish rugby international and broadcaster Donncha O’Callaghan, who said: “Nenagh Hockey Club’s efforts to provide a sporting outlet for all shows how keen members are to ensure that their club remains an important part of community life in the town and its surrounding area.”