Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, have donated a combined €150,000 to three GAA clubs located closest to their newly acquired property in Co Waterford.
The donation is understood to be the couple’s first philanthropic contribution in Ireland since they purchased Strancally Castle in August.
Shamrocks GAA in Knockanore, Tallow GAA in Tallow and Lismore GAA in Lismore will each receive €50,000.
The funding will be distributed over two years, with each club receiving €25,000 annually.
A spokesperson for the Meta owner and his wife said the couple chose the three clubs because of their proximity to Strancally Castle and their awareness of the important role played by the GAA in communities throughout Ireland.
“As new members of the community in Waterford, they wanted to support these local clubs,” the spokesperson said.
Mr Zuckerberg and Ms Chan said: “The GAA is at the heart of communities across Ireland. As new members of the Waterford community, we’re proud to support these local clubs and the important role they play.”
Shamrocks GAA represents the combined parishes of Knockanore, Glendine and Kilwatermoy. The club plans to put its donation towards upgrading its dressing rooms.
Shamrocks GAA secretary Tim Lenehan said: “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 plans to use its €50,000 towards coaching and games, as well as the construction of a 100-seat spectator stand and tarmacking work on the club’s community walkway.
Tallow GAA treasurer Kieran Geary said the donation was the largest single contribution the club had 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,” he said.
“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. This includes 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 & Camogie Club.”
Lismore GAA will use its funding to support a number of planned 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 donation and would use it to develop and future-proof its facilities.
“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,” she said.
“We are most grateful to Priscilla and Mark for their generosity to not alone 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 the future generations.”
Ms Barry also welcomed the Chan Zuckerberg family to the west Waterford area.
“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.”
She added: “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.”
Strancally Castle stands on the banks of the River Blackwater and is described as a three-storey cut-stone Gothic Revival house. It was built in 1827 for former UK Tory MP John Kiely.
The present castle is approximately 4.5km upriver from the ruins of the original Strancally Castle, one of several fortifications built in the area by the Desmond family.
The property is among a number of historic houses and estates located throughout the Blackwater Valley, close to Ballynatray House, Lismore Castle, Cappoquin House and Salterbridge House.
It is understood that Zuckerberg and his family will continue to live in the US and use Strancally Castle when carrying out Meta business in Ireland.
