Since commencing business in Drogheda 30 years ago, LP gas distributor Flogas Ireland Ltd has been a generous supporter of the Louth GAA. Flogas Ireland and Louth GAA go back a long way and this is something of which Flogas managing director Richard Martin is extremely proud. Their association dates back to the late Eugene Quigley's time as chief executive of Flogas. A former Louth footballer from Dundalk and founder member of the company, Eugene provided sponsorship to Louth GAA at grassroots and underage level, something which the company has continued to this day. "In a personal and professional capacity, Eugene was extremely supportive of the GAA at both local and underage level and the company continues to make a significant financial contribution each year," explains Richard Martin. Flogas has been a major employer in Drogheda where its headquarters and marine terminal distribution centre are located. It has 130 staff in Ireland and is one of the largest suppliers of LP Gas in Ireland and is also a leading player in the UK market. Flogas services a diverse range of markets, including industrial, commercial, catering, leisure, residential, agricultural and automotive. Meath's Bellewstown, which is Richard's adopted club, is one of several clubs to have benefited from Flogas' generosity over the years. "Bellewstown was an unusual but very appropriate sponsorship ", said Richard. "Normally, it would be funds for a set of jerseys or support with fundraising activities but in this case, we sponsored the installation of their gas hot water heating system for the shower and canteen facilities, which was exactly what the players needed after a freezing cold evening's training." Richard, who joined Flogas in 1979 and was appointed to his current position three years ago, hails from Nobber in Co. Meath. He is a past pupil of the renowned GAA nursery St. Finian's College in Mullingar - a couple of years ahead of fellow Nobber man and Meath football legend Gerry McEntee - and has always been an avid supporter of Gaelic games. Recalling his time as a boarder at St. Finian's, Richard said, "Everything in the school seemed to revolve around football. We always had a good mix of players from Westmeath, Meath and Offaly. St. Finian's were a major force in schools football back then and I can recall some great battles with St. Mel's of Longford and Carmelite College in Moate, who were our biggest rivals." Richard follows the fortunes of the Louth and Meath football teams closely and, needless to say, is hoping 2009 will prove to be a better year than 2008! He also wished all the local teams in these counties good luck and fortune in 2009. For GAA fans, players and readers facing into a chilly winter, it's worth bearing in mind that the Flogas Cosy Home Heating system is the ideal economical and efficient home heating solution, with guaranteed clean, versatile and efficient central heating, instant hot water, economical cooking, cosy gas fires and gas tumble dryers, whatever the Irish weather is doing. A current promotion by the company is that if you install a new Flogas home heating system, you will get 750 off your first gas bill. In addition, a range of Flogas Superser mobile gas heaters is also a big hit for people who want to spot-heat a room quickly rather than turn on the full central heating system for an hour or two. For further information on what Flogas can do for you, contact the customer service team on 041-9831041 or log onto www.flogas.ie Tweet

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