A €150,000 boost is heading to three west Waterford GAA clubs, courtesy of Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan.

The couple, who bought Strancally Castle in August, have chosen Shamrocks GAA in Knockanore, Tallow GAA and Lismore GAA as the recipients of their first Irish philanthropic donation since moving into the area.

Each club will receive €50,000 over the next two years, with the funding set to support a range of projects from dressing room upgrades and new spectator facilities to coaching, floodlighting and community walkways.

Zuckerberg Establishes Roots in West Waterford

The donation comes as the Chan Zuckerberg family begins to put down roots in the Waterford community, with the couple recognising the central role the GAA plays in towns and villages across the country.

“The GAA is at the heart of communities across Ireland,” said Mark and Priscilla. “As new members of the Waterford community, we’re proud to support these local clubs and the important role they play.”

Shamrocks GAA to Benefit from Zuckerberg Donation

Shamrocks GAA has been operating since 1953 and draws players from the parishes of Knockanore, Glendine and Kilwatermoy. The club plans to put the donation towards upgrading its dressing rooms.

The club has around 200 members and volunteers and fields adult hurling and football teams. Its juvenile players, from under 8s through to under 20s, join with Tallow GAA under the Cois Bhríde name, allowing the clubs to field underage teams together.

Shamrocks GAA Secretary Tim Lenehan said the donation would make a significant difference to the club’s fundraising efforts.

“We are delighted to receive this donation from Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan. Shamrocks is a small club and this donation will make a huge difference to our fundraising efforts.

“On behalf of everyone connected to Shamrocks Hurling and Football Club, I’d like to thank Mark and Priscilla for this donation.”

Tallow GAA

Tallow GAA dates back to 1887 and currently has around 400 members. The club has four adult teams, including two hurling teams, one football team and one camogie team.

The club plans to use the money to support coaching and games, as well as helping with the construction of a 100 seat spectator stand and the tarmacking of its community walkway.

Tallow GAA Treasurer Kieran Geary described it as the largest single donation the club has received in its 139 year history.

“This is the largest single donation that Tallow GAA has received in its 139 year history, and it will have a hugely positive impact on our club.

“Our first priority is to invest in coaching and games, supporting the development of our players and teams at all levels. This generous donation will also help us progress important capital projects, including the tarmacking of our community walkway and the development of a spectator stand to improve facilities for those who come to support and enjoy our games at Páirc Éamonn de Paor.

“On behalf of our members, players, supporters and the wider Tallow community, I’d like to thank Mark and Priscilla for their kind donation to Tallow GAA and Camogie Club.”

Lismore GAA

Lismore GAA was established in 1897 and has around 350 adult and juvenile members.

The club has two adult hurling teams, an Under 20 hurling team and an adult Gaelic football team. At underage level, it caters for players from WellKids under 4s right through to minor level.

The club’s facilities are also used throughout the week by juvenile players from its sister camogie club.

Lismore GAA will place the donation into a dedicated development account, with the money potentially contributing towards projects including proposed floodlighting, new pitch side fencing and a community walkway.

Lismore GAA Secretary Emer Barry said the club was delighted to receive the funding.

“On behalf of all involved with Lismore GAA, we are delighted to receive a donation from Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan to help develop and future proof facilities in our club.

“We are most grateful to Priscilla and Mark for their generosity, not alone to our club but also to the locality. This donation will help develop our facilities, which in turn will benefit the community at large, most especially future generations.

“We in Lismore GAA would like to extend a welcome to the Chan Zuckerberg family to the west Waterford area and hope they will have many happy memories here.

“Lismore GAA is very proud to have been recognised with this donation. We pride ourselves as being at the heart of the community in Lismore and this funding will be of assistance with upcoming development works which will benefit our children and players.”