Longford GAA Chairperson states that inter-county team spending clearly a cause for concern

Speaking at the recent County Convention, Longford GAA Chairperson Albert Cooney, entering his fifth and final year in the position, placed a big emphasis on inter-county team spending which is clearly a cause for concern.

“Every year at this time, the national media debate commences regarding inter-county team spending following publication of County Board annual accounts throughout the country. 

“This year is no different and the debate will be at the forefront for a few weeks and then disappear for another year. 

“Total inter-county team spend in Longford  is €630k approximately, which includes all underage grades and adults. 

“While this may seem a high figure, we are among the bottom three or four counties on the spending league.  

“We have reached our peak in Longford and cannot increase any further and I am sure it is the same in many counties. 

“During the past couple of weeks we have seen crazy figures produced by some counties in their quest for glory and it surprises me that nobody in authority is questioning the value for money in those instances.

 “It is becoming increasingly difficult for smaller counties to compete with the standards set by the more wealthy counties. This problem needs to be addressed immediately. 

“It is the most serious challenge facing the organisation at the moment and needs attention. 

“I call on Croke Park authorities to place immediate emphasis on this issue and put in place a task force that can work towards a solution.

“We presented a very respectable finance report for 2023. Finance statement indicates a profit of €43,632 for the year before depreciation. 

“Leaving depreciation aside, profits on day to day trading is €148,000, an increase of just over €100,000 when compared to last year figures. 

“During my address to Convention  last year, I did mention that we would need to increase income by €200,00 to maintain the level of expenditure. Actual increase was €330,000. 

“Expenditure for the year was €1,553,71, an increase of €200,000 on 2022. Main sources of increased spending are inter-county teams, fundraising expenses, coaching and games. 

“Main sources of increased income are National league share of €38k, €62k Covid 19 funding from Sport Ireland, €137k from the Longford Lunch hosted by Glennon Brothers and €160k in Games promotion grant aid.

“Maintaining this level of income in 2024 will require new fundraising initiatives as some sources just mentioned will not be available. 

“We expect a drop in League share because we are now playing Division 4 football, the Sport Ireland grant was a once off payment, and the Longford Lunch is a bi-annual event, the next one planned for November 2025.

“That is a predicted shortfall of about €200,000 that will need replacing by some other means. Coupled with a planned commencement of a new training centre, a huge fundraising challenges await us,” commented Cooney.