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18 Oct 2025

Local opticians sponsors Kildare GAA club's underage teams

Collette Norton Opticians on Leinster Street have been at the heart of the Athy community since 1985 and have now formed a partnership with Rheban GAA

Local opticians sponsors Kildare GAA club's underage teams

Representatives of Collette Norton Opticians at the announcement of their new sponsorship of Rheban GAA

Reporter:

Leader Reporter

17 Oct 2025 10:10 AM

Email:

sport@leinsterleader.ie

Collette Norton Opticians on Leinster Street have been at the heart of the Athy community since 1985 and they are making eye health and visual correction a sporting priority with their recent partnership with Rheban GAA.
The practice has consistently prioritised giving back to their local community over the years, previously supporting Pieta House events, local guide dogs events, and even music or craft events. More recently, the team at Collette Norton Opticians have brought their focus to their local GAA club, Rheban GAA, located near Kilberry in southeast County Kildare.
The partnership aims to spotlight the important role vision plays in sports performance, where depth perception, focus, and visual clarity can directly impact a player’s game, as well as highlighting the importance of protecting eye safety and eye health.
Founded in 1929 with its name being derived from the nearby Rheban Castle, Rheban GAA has created a Gaelic football community for people of all ages within the community, from men's teams to women's and even a group for mums, there are players from ages five to 30 within the club.
The club has seen notable success over the years, winning the U14 League and Championship double in 2024 and seeing wins from both the Under 14s and Under 15s so far this year.
Michelle Poole, Practice Manager at Collette Norton Opticians, said: “We’re delighted to be able to contribute towards the club’s goals. We’re hopeful that our involvement will encourage more athletes to consider the vision element of their sport, whether it’s ensuring their eyes are sufficiently protected or staying at the top of their game with crystal-clear vision.
“The entire team at Collette Norton Opticians has strong connections to the local community and we carry a real sense of pride watching the teams play. We’ll all be cheering them on!”
As Rheban GAA’s new sponsors for Under 14s and 15s, Collette Norton Opticians have provided the team’s latest jersey kits, featuring the practice’s logo, as well as providing players with eye examinations in practice.
Speaking at the official jersey presentation, Senior Optometrist Ms Ogechi Ebere highlighted the need for parents to look after their children’s eye health. Ms Ogechi Ebere explained how the use of sports goggles, certified for impact resistance, can be a game-changer for children to use in sports like GAA, hurling and rugby to protect their eyes from any sports-related injuries.
The importance of regular eye exams was also emphasised, as this allows optometrists to detect eye conditions which might often be missed by the ordinary school screening eye examinations during the junior/senior years.

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