The financial situation in 2024 and for the immediate future was front and centre of many of the deliberations at a well attended Roscommon GAA annual convention held at the Percy French Hotel, Strokestown on Wednesday, 11th of December.
In a wide-ranging address, Roscommon GAA Chairperson Brian Carroll said that the board are in a “challenging position” with regard to the balance sheet and finances in general.
He pointed out that team expenses were very high and rising on an ongoing basis, adding that this was a factor in all counties. There was no major fundraiser in the county this year and that had a detrimental effect on finances. Mr Carroll urged people to support the ‘Win a home in Kildare’ draw which will be taking place on the 30th of December.
With regard to recent developments whereby the Revenue Commissioners are looking into issues to do with the finances of a number of counties, Mr Carroll said that any enquiries and investigations would now be directly managed by Croke Park following a meeting of all chairpersons, secretaries and treasurers.
The County Board chairperson told delegates that phase one of the refurbishment work at Dr Hyde Park was completed in 2024 and the capacity of the ground is now 24,000. He said that phase two of the works, which will include toilets, fences, turnstiles and dressing rooms, will commence in 2025.
Mr Carroll told the convention that the board had completed the purchase of the lands for the Dermot Earley Centre of Excellence in Roscommon Town and that the recently announced Government grant of €5.5m meant that the project could start in 2025.
“We are hoping to turn the sod on the development early next year and while we will have to raise substantial funding to complete the project, it is something that will be a huge benefit to everyone involved in Roscommon GAA”.
The auditors, represented by Freda Maguire (Mulhern-Leonard & Associates), and County Board Treasurer David O’Connor reported on a deficit of €268,935 for the year. In terms of expenditure, all areas connected with the preparation of county teams were up substantially, – by €246,227 on 2023.
That increased figure includes players’ mileage expenses, team management expenses, meals/catering and nutrition, travel and accommodation and gear and equipment.
On the income side, gate receipts were down by €31,000 in total, while sponsorship was up by almost €50,000. However, the take for the Allianz Football League was down by almost €50,000. The fact that there was no major fundraiser in 2024 meant that Club Rossie income was down from €379,000 in 2023 to €122,970 in 2024.
David O’Connor agreed with the chairperson on the description of the financial situation as being very challenging. The treasurer stressed how important it is that the forthcoming draw is well supported, stating that it would be a considerable help if it is a success.
Pat Compton, the chairperson of Club Rossie, also appealed to clubs to get behind the forthcoming draw. Mr Compton added that volunteers are required to help sell tickets prior to the draw taking place at the end of the month.
Secretary Brian Mullin’s comprehensive report extended to 25 pages and covered every aspect of GAA activity in Roscommon, including inter-county and club action over the past 12 months.
A word of thanks
At last week’s Roscommon GAA Convention, County Board chairperson Brian Carroll thanked everyone on the board for their hard work and pointed out that the challenge for volunteers in the association at club and county level was now huge – and growing all the time, given the amount of work involved.
He paid tribute to Assistant Treasurer Sean Flanagan and Coaching Officer Dave McDonnell who were stepping down from their posts this year.
Motions for New Year
There were five motions on the clàr and all were referred to the first fixtures committee meeting of the New Year.
Meanwhile, the club ground of the year award went to Ballinameen, with St Croan’s winning the most improved award.
It’s off to work we go…
COMMENT
Seamus Duke
Having attended annual GAA conventions for many decades, I have to say that the increased workload that is being carried by the people at the top of county boards has grown greatly.
Indeed that workload is now so enormous it is hard to see why people with families and jobs would put in for so much additional hassle in their lives on a voluntary basis.
After all, while we might criticise aspects of how county boards operate and make decisions, it has to be remembered that those involved are giving up increasing amounts of their spare time to serve the GAA.
Here in Roscommon, the association turned over in the region of €4m in 2024. That’s a colossal figure – and we are expecting volunteers to be able to handle that responsibility on a yearly basis, with just some office/admin help.
That workload for officers is set to increase in the coming years too. It is going to be harder and harder for the GAA to attract volunteers for these roles as time goes on. Those who are prepared to do this work are owed a debt of gratitude by us all.
