Laois GAA reports €254,136 surplus as inter-county team expenses exceed €1 million
Record team expenses balanced by rising revenue streams
Laois GAA have reported a financial surplus for the fourth consecutive year, reflecting continued fiscal stability despite a surge in spending on inter-county teams.
The figures, covering the 12 months to September 30, 2024, will be presented at the upcoming annual convention in the Midlands Park Hotel on Monday, December 9.
The accounts, prepared by treasurer Paschal McEvoy and audited by Forvis Mazars, reveal a surplus of €254,136, a €34,000 increase on last year’s figure of €220,149. This continues a positive trend following surpluses of €376,037 in 2022 and €505,132 in 2021.
Inter-county team administration costs have reached a record-breaking €1,113,255, smashing last year’s record of €863,807 and nearly doubling the amount they spent only two years ago of €639,745. This category now represents the most significant expenditure for Laois GAA and highlights the growing financial demands of preparing teams for elite competitions.
Key contributors to this increase include the footballers’ journey to the Tailteann Cup final and the hurlers’ Joe McDonagh Cup final appearance, which required substantial investment in travel, catering, and backroom support. The footballers and hurlers also won their respective Allianz National League titles at the beginning of 2024.
While expenditure continues to climb, Laois GAA has also succeeded in growing its income streams, allowing it to maintain a healthy financial position. Gate receipts, the county’s largest source of internal income, increased from €421,391 to €457,333.
Additional revenue highlights include Commercial Income, up €32,000 to €462,590, Fundraising Income rose from €338,142 to €359,115 and Income from Associated Bodies experienced a major jump, rising from €623,354 to €939,337.
Central Council funding also saw significant increases, with grants for team expenses rising from €42,000 to €271,000 and coaching grants more than doubling from €144,324 to €277,886.