Income almost doubling on figures from five years ago
THE financial situation of Sligo GAA was looking much brighter than five years ago, Treasurer Peter Greene told the large crowd at the Convention on Thursday night,
He said the work of the many people across the county who have helped improve the Co Board’s finances must be commended. He said this year’s income was up 16% to €1.2m while expenditure increased by 18% to €975,000 and he said a major impact in that was the costs of the Senior team going to New York, which cost more than €100,000.
He said the overall surplus of €228,000 was very positive and pointed out that the total income in comparison to five years ago was up 90%, almost doubling since 2013.
Back in 2013, the total income stood at €633,653 while for 2017 it was €1.2m, substantially higher.
He said the Co Board was operating with a surplus of 814,000 for the past four years, averaging €200,000 per annum.
Club Sligo, which plays a significant role in providing income, generated €165,000 net income, while sponsorship generated a further €175,000.
“Notably our Seniors, U21s, minor footballers and coaches raised €30,000 and we thank them for that,” he added.
Another positive was the increase in gate receipts.
The figure in 2016 was €94,618 and this has risen to €118,312 for 2017.
Peter paid tribute to the hard work of Richard Brennan and his team of stewards to see an increase of 28% this year. He said: “This is a thankless job and it’s disappointing to hear there are people in the county who are challenging the men and ladies on the gates.
“I want to thank all the people who have supported. It’s a real positive to see a steady increase since it dipped back in 2015, so that is very positive.” He said commercial and fundraising is critical to Sligo GAA.
In terms of expenditure, there was an increase of 18%, totalling €974,000 and mitigating factors included the Senior football trip to New York back in May for the opening round of the Connacht Championship. The change of merchandise to O’Neill’s also had an impact, Peter added.
He said the change was forced on Sligo and they were able to manufacture a good deal with O’Neill’s, who now have 31 out of 32 counties on their books, Waterford with Azzuuri at the moment.
Other factors in terms of expenditure was Senior football training and the GPA deal. He said the players travel and team administration costs were €500,000 a year and the trip to New York which happens every five years was €104,000 net cost. Despite this, it only cost the Co Board €4,000 due to prudent budgeting co-operation from the Sligo diaspora in New York and the players, along with a grant of €50,000 from the Connacht council.
Peter said the maintenance costs of running the two major venues, Markievicz Park and Scarden were down €20,000 as the costs were settling themselves down.
He said Markievicz Park was now debt free and the Centre of Excellence in Scarden was now complete at a €3.2m cost.
Peter pointed out that sponsorship is a critical element and that they have to work very hard at this and called on people to support the Sligo GAA sponsors. He also commended AbbVie for their support and professionalism.
“Where we are is that our overal l debt is €950,000, it was €1.3m some years ago. 2018 and 2019 will be the last years of Club Sligo and I want to thank John Clifford and the committee for the work they’ve put in. I want to thank all the clubs for their support too.”