Galway GAA treasurer hits out at team training camps, welcomes emergency meeting

“The other matter is the expenditure on our teams,” said Burke.

“In some commentary you would almost think we are the poor relation when it comes to providing for our players and teams. The fact of the matter is, as a county we spend the largest amount of money in the entire association on our teams. This is something that I am not happy about and I am absolutely certain the incoming county board will have to seriously address the issue or we will end up like the bad old days of the past in a financial mess.” 

Burke took particular issue with team training camps.

“Every single item of expenditure has to be forensically examined as to whether it is worth it or not. Team training camps are a prime example. They are an enormous expense and despite what team managers and players say, I personally don’t think they are value for money. If they are, will somebody show me the proof?” 

During his address, Galway chairperson Paul Bellew argued that the intercounty spend is a direct result of an increase in the number of matches. He cited the fact they played 57 games in 2024 versus 46 in 2022 and the medical, travel and overnight costs that are involved. A simple solution, he said, is to cap the number of games at intercounty level.

The concern around the potential tax liabilities faced by boards was a consistent theme on the night. Bellew said it was something that needed to be confronted nationally. Due to the recently instigated risk review by the Revenue Commissioners, Galway GAA officers have not signed off on the end of year accounts. The GAA has called an emergency meeting of all county chairpersons, secretaries and treasurers on Tuesday to discuss this issue.

Burke added that the repercussions could reach far and wide.

“On a more downbeat note, I am sure many or all of you have read the reports in the media about the ongoing audits being conducted by revenue on a number of counties including Galway GAA. As it is a live and ongoing issue, I can’t comment on it to any great extent. Without a doubt, it may have very serious repercussions for everyone involved in our games in the years ahead.

The treasurer continued: “Liabilities arise from revenue’s differing interpretation of a number of historic practices with the GAA. My own view is that it will have to be dealt with and resolved by Croke Park as it is a national issue that will without doubt affect all counties.

“Also in the future, if tax liabilities are to be levied on payments to referees and player expenses or for player holidays for reaching an All-Ireland final. Where will it all end? County boards are hard pressed as it is. Additional liabilities that may come from policy changes will simply leave less to spend on the development of our games.

“Yes, I would like less spent on our teams. But the unintended consequences of additional tax liabilities might mean no change in our overall expenditure but significantly less to spend on our teams. This is not the solution to the rapid increase in expenditure, in my opinion. It will simply compound the problem.

“I am pleased there is a meeting scheduled for tomorrow night between Croke Park and the officers of all counties to discuss the matter. It is a very serious issue that needs to be resolved by Croke Park and revenue in a fair way.”