How SMEs House of Hofu and Thomp2 Socks Are Strategically Leveraging the Ireland Games to Crush the Competition and Skyrocket Growth
Ever wondered what happens when sustainability meets the roar of thousands at one of Ireland’s most electrifying rugby events? Well, brace yourselves, because two trailblazing Irish brands—Greystones’ very own House of Hofu and the vibrant Thomp2 Socks—have just snagged a game-changing win in Vodafone Ireland’s See Your Business Pitchside competition for 2026. Picture this: over €25,000 worth of top-tier advertising lighting up the pitchside and digital arenas during the Six Nations Championship at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium—a stage reserved for the elite, now shining its spotlight on these dynamic SMEs. It’s not just about exposure to 50,000 passionate fans packed in the stands; we’re talking global TV audiences tuning in via RTÉ and TNT Sports, amplifying these brands to realms few startups dare to dream of. And here’s the kicker—House of Hofu’s eco-conscious fashion, crafted from ethically sourced, ocean-upcycled fabrics, and Thomp2 Socks’ colorful mission-driven designs that literally put inclusion on their toes, are about to collide with rugby’s electric atmosphere. It’s a story of grit, purpose, and a smidge of that underdog magic that’ll have you thinking—what’s your brand’s next big play? LEARN MORE
Greystones-based sustainable fashion brand House of Hofu and inclusive sock company Thomp2 Socks have been selected as the 2026 winners of Vodafone Ireland See Your Business Pitchside competition, an initiative run by Vodafone Ireland in partnership with the Irish Rugby Football Union.
The prize, valued at more than €25,000 in advertising, will see the SMEs’ branding appear on pitchside and digital screens during Ireland’s matches in the Six Nations Championship at the Aviva Stadium.
The exposure means their brands will be visible to more than 50,000 fans in the stadium and to a global television audience through broadcasts on RTÉ and TNT Sports.
Wicklow-based House of Hofu was founded three years ago by fashion designer and personal stylist Ann-Marie Woods.
The Greystones company produces clothing, bags and alcohol-free perfume oils using environmentally conscious materials and ethical production methods.
The brand incorporates fabrics such as Seaqual, made from upcycled ocean waste, and MIRUM, a plant-based alternative to leather.
Woods said the opportunity will help the young business reach a much wider audience.
“It’s an amazing opportunity for us,” she said.
“Having started only three years ago, we’re still growing our business, and it takes time to get out there as a smaller brand. I’ve seen the advertising for the different businesses supported by this competition over the last few years, and I can’t believe that House of Hofu is next.”
The company’s branding will feature during Ireland’s upcoming match against, with Woods and her family attending the game.
The second winner, Thomp2 Socks, was founded by entrepreneur Thomas Barry and his family with the aim of combining fashion with social impact.
The business produces colourful socks using certified cotton while promoting inclusion and raising funds for services supporting people with Down syndrome.
The company has pledged 5% of its profits to organisations including St. John of God Foundation, which provides services for people with intellectual disabilities.
Barry and his family will attend Ireland’s fixture against Scotland on March 14, where the brand will be showcased pitchside.
In addition to the advertising exposure, both winners will receive VIP match tickets and attend the Irish team’s Captain’s Run training session ahead of the games.
Jo Gilfoy, director of Vodafone Business at Vodafone Ireland, said the programme is designed to help Irish SMEs grow their profile.
“House of Hofu and Thomp2 Socks are both fantastic businesses driven by purpose,” she said.
“This level of exposure will put both businesses centre stage for so many potential new customers and corporations.”
Previous winners of the competition include Urban Aran, Killadoon Milk and JANDO.
The initiative forms part of Vodafone Ireland’s broader programme to support Irish SMEs seeking to expand and reach new markets.
Photo: House of Hofu, Ann-Marie Woods, with her family at the Aviva ahead of Ireland’s match against Wales
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