Connolly Group joins forces with Rio Ferdinand Foundation

Connolly Motor Group recently announced its official partnership as a van supplier for the Rio Ferdinand Foundation. 

The Rio Ferdinand Foundation offers sports, media and culture programmes to inspire young people, build employment and leadership skills and create pathways that enable them to reach their potential. 

The Volkswagen Caddy recently collected by the Foundation at Connolly’s Volkswagen Sligo will be used for promotion of their programmes, and transporting equipment around the West of Ireland.

Set up by former Manchester United and England footballer Rio Ferdinand in 2012, the Foundation addresses issues of inequality that Rio experienced in his own life, growing up in Peckham, South London. The Foundation supports and empowers young people from working-class communities, tackling racism and inequality, and providing opportunities and pathways to deliver social mobility and realise personal potential.

In March 2024, Rio Ferdinand visited the West of Ireland with the Foundation for a showcase match between youngsters from the southern border counties and Northern Ireland at Sligo Rovers FC. Connolly’s Volkswagen and Audi Ballina were the form of transport during Rio's visit.

The Foundation create opportunities for young people to tackle inequality, achieve their potential and drive social change. The Foundation provides support under the four strategic themes: Safe Spaces; Health and Wellbeing; Strong, Safe, and Inclusive Communities; and Progression, Skills and Employment. They pride themselves in working with young people and partners from projects across the UK and Ireland.

“This news takes the partnership between Connolly’s and the Rio Ferdinand Foundation to a new level for 2025/26," said Gary Stannett, CEO, Rio Ferdinand Foundation. "Following our collaboration in Sligo last year, this new vehicle will allow us to grow and extend our programme across a number of counties in Ireland. Big thanks to all involved at Connolly’s for the continued support and investment in their local communities.”

Dean Conran, Marketing Manager, Connolly Motor Group, said: “It’s a fantastic partnership for Connolly Motor Group. We pride ourselves on supporting local communities. The Foundation has done a brilliant job of developing, engaging with and facilitating opportunities for young people across Ireland and especially in the West. We look forward to being part of this journey.” 

Connolly Motor Group is a family-run business since 1939, operating three Volkswagen passenger and commercial dealerships in Sligo, Ballina and Letterkenny. It is a third-generation business that is grounded in tradition and their family’s passion for cars, while operating a very modern business from their state-of-the-art showrooms in Sligo, Ballina, Letterkenny and Galway, representing nine brands in 14 sites across the West of Ireland.