Clare is preparing to celebrate its title as European Volunteering Capital 2027, recognising the thousands of people across the county who give their time to support their communities.
One of those volunteers is Ambrose Heagney.
When Ambrose retired from his role as a mental health nurse three years ago, he was eager to find new ways to spend his time. With a lifelong love of both hurling and football and previous experience as an underage manager with Corofin GAA, he was naturally drawn towards Clare GAA.
Ambrose first joined the Clare GAA fixtures committee, before being invited to take on the role of Volunteer Safety and Facilities Officer. As a key member of the Clare GAA executive.
He is primarily responsible for ensuring the safety and upkeep of Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg in Ennis.
On any given day, you might find him power washing, painting, or assessing what improvements are needed to keep the county grounds in top condition for players, supporters and the wider community.
He speaks passionately about the friendships and camaraderie that come with volunteering:
“This is what the GAA is all about – volunteering and being part of the community. The GAA is like a jigsaw, made up of all different pieces – from the volunteer who washes the jerseys, who lines the pitches, who coaches the underage teams, who organises the fixtures and the fundraising, to the player who lines out with the Team. For the full picture, we need all the pieces.”
Originally from Ballinasloe, County Galway, Ambrose still enjoys travelling to local matches in his home county. Yet, the saffron and blue he paints on the dressing room walls and around the grounds show that Clare GAA has firmly captured his heart.
As a former referee, he knows many of the players now representing Clare at senior level and takes great pride in seeing them succeed, knowing that his contribution, like that of countless other GAA volunteers, helps make their achievements possible.
You can listen to the full interview here:
