As part of the launch of the 2017 season, Bord Gáis Energy, proud sponsor of the GAA All-Ireland Hurling Championship, has revealed Irish sports star and hurling fan Simon Zebo as a #HurlingToTheCore ambassador.

Bord Gáis Energy believes that hurling is more than a sport or pastime. It is deeply ingrained in Irish history and is stitched into our national identify. Over the course of the summer, through their partnership with the GAA, Bord Gáis Energy will shine a light on people who are #HurlingToTheCore in communities around Ireland.

Despite being better known for his feats on the rugby pitch representing both Munster and Ireland, Zebo was a talented hurler and played with Blackrock Hurling Club from a young age. He is very proud of his GAA roots and of the fact he is #HurlingToTheCore.  

Speaking about his involvement with Bord Gáis Energy, Simon Zebo said: “I grew up in Blackrock where hurling is hugely popular and at the core of the community. Hurling is in my DNA. My grandad played, I played from a young age and I’d be delighted to see my own kids play. I love the sport and some of the fundamental skills I learnt playing hurling still stand to me now and have helped with my rugby.

“I went back to Blackrock GAA last week to film my #HurlingToTheCore story and it was great to be back in the club and to be playing hurling again.  As a sport, it’s really important to Irish people. It’s a part of our heritage and identity and it is brilliant to see Bord Gáis Energy supporting it."

Mr. Dave Kirwan, Managing Director of Bord Gáis Energy commented: “Over the course of the summer our goal will be to shine a spotlight on the wonderful sport of hurling and the people from all over the country who are #HurlingToTheCore.  

Our customers are central to this partnership and we’re very proud, through the Bord Gáis Energy Rewards Club, to be able to offer exclusive access to GAA tickets, competitions, and even chances to participate in the big games, presenting man-of-the-match awards and acting as flag bearers at both senior hurling and U-21 hurling fixtures.”

Bord Gáis Energy will officially launch the 2017 season tomorrow (Wednesday, May 10) with an event at Croke Park featuring #HurlingToTheCore ambassadors Joe Canning (Galway), Conor McDonald (Wexford) and Patrick Curran (Waterford).

Bord Gáis Energy is a proud sponsor of the GAA All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship, the Bord Gáis Energy U-21 Championship and the GAA Legends Tours.