Kilkenny Hurling Legend Helps Wicklow GAA Expand Profile With Fans App

Wicklow GAA signs up to SocialTies digital platform boosting its community engagement with local clubs, while increasing its digital revenue with a supporters app

The three-time All-Ireland hurling winner, the recently retired Walter Walsh, has teamed up with Wicklow GAA to launch SocialTies, a new digital platform that brings all things GAA into one central app for fans.

The platform aims to simplify content, boost engagement, and provide a new revenue stream for local clubs as ex-Kilkenny star Walter told East Coast FM this week.

SocialTies, a leader in building bespoke, hyperlocal digital platforms, has officially launched “The Garden”, in partnership with Wicklow GAA.

The partnership introduces a dedicated, county-branded digital home designed to bring all things Wicklow into one unified space.

A One-Stop Shop for Wicklow GAA Supporters

Walsh describes SocialTies as "a community-driven platform," adding, "We bring all things Wicklow GAA into one place. So it’s a one-stop shop for all things Wicklow GAA.

It's a aggregator of all things GAA for the average Garden county fan as the powerful one-time Cats forward outlines:

We have all the social content coming into the app, big news feeds, videos, exclusive podcasts, interviews, match reports, live streams, pictures, results, ticketing – everything a Wicklow GAA supporter needs."

The platform centralizes content that would otherwise be scattered across Instagram, Facebook, X, YouTube, Spotify, and various websites. Walsh explained:

"After retiring, I found myself going to Instagram and Facebook for general news, X for live updates, websites for pictures and results, Spotify for podcasts, YouTube for live streams… everything was all over the place, and that’s why we created SocialTies."

Supporting Clubs and Local Businesses

SocialTies isn’t just for fans—it’s a tool for county boards and local businesses. Walsh highlighted the app’s revenue-sharing model:

"We allow businesses the opportunity to advertise digitally to Wicklow GAA supporters, and with our shared advertising model, 50% of all ad revenue goes back to Wicklow GAA and back into grassroots and youth development. It’s a win-win all around really."

The app also streamlines communication for clubs, reducing reliance on multiple WhatsApp groups:

"Instead of being added to hundreds of different WhatsApp groups, we can be all hosted within the app," Walsh said.

Proven Success in Kilkenny

The platform was piloted in Walsh’s native Kilkenny, where it received strong feedback.

"We have more supporters engaged… and businesses get more bang for their buck while supporting Kilkenny GAA, with 50% of all ad revenue going directly to the centre of excellence," Walsh explained.

Wicklow GAA: First County Outside Kilkenny

Wicklow is the first county outside of Kilkenny to partner with SocialTies. Walsh expressed excitement about the collaboration:

"We’re delighted and quite privileged to partner with Wicklow GAA… it brings the community together, has everyone engaged on the platform, and drives interest in Wicklow GAA."

He also praised the potential for growth:

"Just in terms of Wicklow GAA, I think I can only see them improving… as a Wicklow GAA fan and supporter, you have to be really optimistic as well."

Looking Ahead

SocialTies plans to expand to more counties, helping GAA communities stay connected while creating sustainable support for grassroots clubs.

Walsh, now a fan from the stands of Nowlan Park, Croke Park and in Aughrim, remains optimistic for the season ahead, keeping a close eye on both Kilkenny and Wicklow teams.

Damien Byrne, Chairperson Wicklow GAA is a big fan and says the new collaboration is a much needed shot in the arm for local gaa in the county...

“We’ve seen it first-hand, clubs are trying to run communities across group chats, old websites and endless email threads. Wicklow GAA deserves better. The Garden gives Wicklow a proper digital home, fixtures, results, updates and county moments in one place, and 50% of ad revenue goes straight back into grassroots programmes.”