Keeping books balanced is key

CLARE GAA County Board had a turnover of €1.5 million in 2012 with team costs accounting for 45% of that figure, outlined audit committee chairman Michael Curtin to last week’s board meeting.

With that in mind, GAA chairman Michael McDonagh warned that clubs that don’t support the board’s annual fundraiser will face a fine.

Treasurer Bernard Keane reminded delegates of a report published a week earlier which gave a breakdown of what counties spent last year.

“I am happy enough that we are on the right side of the line, only just, but we are there. There are others who are not on the right side of the line and because of this they are not in control of their own destiny. We in Clare try to be in control. That’s our earnest wish to be in control of our own destiny.

“Things have changed drastically in recently years. Our gate receipts have dropped off and expenditure has been up and we are facing a lot more in the coming year with Caherlohan coming on stream and work on Cusack Park. Belt tightening has to be done and a lot of unpopular decisions have to be made, a lot of hard calls. A lot of people can no longer talk about it. We have to react and put in the work,” he said.

Audit committee chairman Michael Curtin told the meeting, “There is a certain disconnect between the board and the clubs when it comes to finances and one of the reasons is a communication problem”.
The total income for all the counties involved last year came to €48.8m, while the expenditure was €47.6m.

“Look at that in the context of 34 counties (including New York and London), the margin is €2.50 in every hundred. It’s so small,” he said.

“We turned over €1.5m [in Clare] last year and our county teams cost 45% of that. We have seven areas that have to be looked after, Cusack Park (maintenance and development), Caherlohan, Clareabbey, Clarecastle, the plot at the rear of Cusack Park which was recently acquired, Ballyline and the offices. The costs of maintenance will come in around €135,000 and will probably have doubled from 2012. Our draw won’t even cover it.”

The Ennis-based accountant added, “We are very fortunate that we have been able to look after any loans we have had. There is quite a substantial amount of money paid every year. We will be borrowing €600,000 to do a lot of work. It’s very manageable. We are replacing one loan with another and we will be able to deal with it.

“Administration is necessary and it costs about €160,000 per year and the final area is coaching. We get substantial funds from Munster and Central Council but it’s still a cost and it comes in at around €230,000,” he added.

According to the audit committee chairman, “The central council and provincial council provide about 35% of the overall costs. We have to find €65%. Where to we get it? 

“The gate returns in 2011 was 32% of our turnover of €1.2m. Gates last year dropped down to 25%. That tells us people aren’t going to our games. We have seen what the treasurer has done in relation to packages but people aren’t going to the games and that’s a big challenge for the board to get the people to our games.

“Commercial income will probably hold its own but it is dependant on the generosity of great people like our sponsors. We are confident from, what we know, that it will hold its own. The fundraising draw is very important. It brought in €80,000 last year and while that’s a lot of collecting…clubs gain from that.

“We are well able to manage our affairs, let there be no doubt about that. We have looked at the projections. We have torn them apart. With a bit of good will and working together, it can be done. Communication is the key. When people know what has to be done, they will put their shoulder to the wheel. Support the fundraiser, support the games locally, support our county teams and support the executive,” he said.

Whitegate chairman David Solan asked if the money is being well spent on Cusack Park. He said there are a lot of complaints about the toilets there and the stench of urine.

The county secretary replied, “€400,000 has been spent in the past four years on the northern stand, drainage and parameter fencing. We are continuously working to improve things there”.