Almost €914,000 spent on county teams

IN a year in which the county won two All-Ireland hurling titles, Clare still managed to record a profit of €59,289, according to the financial report that will be presented to delegates at next week’s annual convention, which takes place on Thursday, December 19.

Income for the year amounted to €1,796,854, with expenditure coming to €1,737,565.

Team expenses for the year amounted to €913,919 (€671,570 in 2012). This is an accumulative figure for all county teams and a breakdown for each team is not given.
A breakdown of this figure shows that players’ travel expenses amounted to €324,365 (€267,842 in 2012); catering cost €199,541 (143,656 in 2012); medical physiotherapy and masseurs cost €99,835 (€86,353 last year); buses and overnights cost €61,001 (€53,255 in ’12); sportsgear, equipment and laundry cost €78,468 (€79,531 in ’12), while training facilities cost €23,197 (€20,856 last year).

The team expenses figure includes provision for €100,000 for the senior hurlers’ holiday.

There was a slight increase in the cost of upkeep and maintenance of grounds from €99,135 to €103,674. Administration expenses also went up slightly from €158,605 to €165,703. Coaching and development cost €375,794, down from €367,407 in 2012.

Gate receipts for the year were down by more than €100,000 at €268,157 (€383,860 for 2012). The receipts from the 2013 senior finals are not included, as the books went to audit at the end of October. Clare’s National League share was also well down on the previous year at €59,156 (€82,814 in 2012), while commercial income dropped from €201,154 in 2012 to €163,069 for the year under review.

Other income increased from €218,701 in 2012 to €263,625 for this year. This is made up of club affiliation fees (€2,870), summer camps and coaching (€171,954), Cusack Park shop (€7,902), underage development issues (€1,000) and corporate donations (€12,550).

Income from associated bodies rose from €515,574 to €905,574. Central Council paid €191,845 towards team expenses, with the provincial council paying €29,475. Central Council paid €80,000 to the hurlers’ holiday fund, €50,000 as a replay grant from the senior final and €175,000 from the distribution of sponsorship-media grants.

Munster Council paid €235,704 in a coaching and development grant and also made a grant of €50,000 towards Cusack Park.

A breakdown of the administration expenses of €165,703 reveals that €72,328 went on wages, saleries and taxes, while depreciation cost €44,292. Complimentary tickets cost €31,470.