"Sport will play an increasingly important role in our community in these times, and I call on the business community to continue to support local sport in whatever way you can," Dubarry MD Eamonn Fagan commented.

President of Buccaneers RFC, Raymond Duffy, said: "Dubarry's continued support is hugely beneficial to both Buccaneers and rugby in the midlands generally.

"It has helped us entice international rugby to the region, and their continued sponsorship is of great benefit to the club."

Presenting the cheque to President Duffy, Dubarry's UK-based International Sales Director Paul McKee added: "I was fortunate to be in Athlone for the English Under-20 match last year and it was a great night.

"It is great to see that Italy, Scotland and Wales will play in Athlone this spring."

Dubarry Park, the home of Buccaneers, will again play host to the Ireland Under-20s' Six Nations fixtures next year as they take on Italy (February 5), Scotland (March 12) and Wales (March 19).

Dubarry are a wholly Irish-owned company based in Ballinasloe. They currently export to 24 countries and supply a large network of Irish retailers.

As well as leading in casual footwear with the Freedom by Dubarry brand, Dubarry's Marine Range is considered to be the best in the world, used by leading yachtsmen under the toughest conditions in the sport's leading events.

The Marine Range is also home to Admirals - Dubes are Ireland's best selling deck shoes.