Opel Ireland’s ‘Drive for Passion’ passes the ball

Opel, a sponsor of Irish Rugby and the official car partner to the IRFU, has 
announced its Driving the Passion programme, which will see the car brand donate 
hundreds of Gilbert rugby training balls to local rugby clubs nationwide, with a 
particular focus on women's teams. 
Opel's goal is clear: to strengthen its bond with Irish rugby by actively supporting 
local rugby clubs at the grassroots level to empower the future stars of Irish rugby. 
Having successfully collaborated with several prominent clubs around Ireland 
already, Opel is now gearing up to extend its reach to even more clubs in the 
upcoming weeks.   
Opel's dedication to the local rugby community is evident through recent visits to 
esteemed clubs including Clontarf FC, Railway Union RFC, Balbriggan RFC, 
Clanwilliam FC, and Donegal Town RFC. Opel brand ambassadors and Irish rugby 
stars, Amee Leigh Murphy Crowe and Stacey Flood have given their support too, 
attending the Clanwilliam FC, Clontarf FC, and Railway Union RFC presentation of 
rugby balls.   
Aligned with Opel's overarching mission to deepen its connection with Irish rugby, 
the Driving the Passion initiative has been designed to support emerging talents of 
the sport by providing essential training equipment. It will serve to continue the 
growth of Irish rugby at local levels, for all age groups, and for both men's and 
women's teams.  
Sharing her enthusiasm, the driving force behind the initiative, Jennifer Eagers, 
Marketing Executive at Opel Ireland, noted: "It is an honour to play our part and 
contribute to the growth and success of local rugby clubs in Ireland. The response 
from the clubs I've had the privilege of visiting has been truly inspiring. The teams 
were not only welcoming but also lovely to work with. The warmth and hospitality I 
encountered speak volumes about the unique character of local rugby clubs. We look 
forward to meeting more teams and clubs in the near future." 
Richard Cowan, Training Coach at Clontarf Rugby Club, commenting on Opel 
Ireland’s gesture, said, "This initiative from Opel is a game-changer for our club. The 
donation of rugby balls not only enhances our training sessions, it also encourages 
more individuals, especially the youth, to take up the sport." 
Opel is now inviting other clubs from around the country to express their interest in 
receiving rugby balls by simply emailing marketing@opel.ie. Opel aims to furnish a 
further 10 clubs with training balls before Christmas.  
 
Pic 1: Irish Rugby Stars Drive the Passion with Opel. Pictured from left to right are: 
Amee Leigh Murphy Crowe, Irish Rugby star and Opel brand ambassador; Molly Boyne, 
Railway Union RFC; Niamh Byrne, Railway Union RFC; Stacey Flood, Irish Rugby star 
and Opel brand ambassador. 
Pic 2: Clontarf FC Women's Team handover of Opel branded rugby balls. 
Pic 3: Balbriggan RFC Women's Team handover of Opel branded rugby balls. 
Pic 4: Pictured from left to right are: Maurice Crowe, Sales Manager at Kevin O'Leary 

Clonmel, Main Opel Dealer; Darragh Crowe, Captain of the 1st team, Clanwilliam F.C.; 
Irish rugby star and Opel brand ambassador, Amee Leigh Murphy Crowe. 
Pic 5: Donegal Town RFC Men's Team handover of Opel branded rugby balls.