Key facts
- Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan will donate €150,000 to three GAA clubs in County Waterford.
- Each club, Shamrocks GAA, Tallow GAA, and Lismore GAA, will receive €50,000.
- The donations will be paid over a two-year period.
- The clubs plan to use the funds for facility development, underage teams, and community projects.
- Zuckerberg's team contacted the clubs after he purchased Strancally Castle in August.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, are donating €150,000 to three Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) clubs in County Waterford, Ireland. The donation, which comes after the couple purchased Strancally Castle in the area in August, will see each of the three clubs – Shamrocks GAA, Tallow GAA, and Lismore GAA – receive €50,000 over a two-year period.
A spokesman for Zuckerberg stated that the couple recognized the significant role GAA plays in local communities and wanted to support the clubs as new members. Club representatives expressed a mix of initial skepticism and overwhelming welcome for the gift.
Kieran Geary, treasurer for Tallow GAA, the oldest of the three clubs founded in 1887, explained that he had reached out regarding potential sponsorship after the castle purchase. He described initial disbelief that the offer was legitimate, but noted that Zuckerberg's legal team was easy to work with. Geary indicated that Tallow GAA plans to invest the funds in underage and senior teams, coaching, and a community walkway.
Tim Lenehan, secretary of Shamrocks GAA, established in 1953, also admitted to initial skepticism, believing it might be a prank. He confirmed the legitimacy after some checking. Shamrocks GAA, a small club with over 200 members, intends to use the donation for facility development, including changing rooms, and to enhance its underage section.
Emer Barry, secretary of Lismore GAA, founded in 1897, had been aware of the potential donation for about six weeks and described the news as a shock. The club plans to use the funds for projects such as floodlighting, new pitch fencing, and a community walkway.