Divisions remain important despite falling income

 

By Shane Brophy

 

The importance of divisional boards was emphasised by a number of speakers at the North Tipperary GAA's Board annual convention held in Ballycommon on Monday night.

However, the power of the convention has dwindled massively in recent years, with all outgoing officers returned unopposed with no motions on the agenda for a meeting that lasted a little over an hour.

The treasurers report provided another indication as despite showing a surplus of €2,564 for 2019, it was down massively from the €14,039 surplus on the previous year. This was largely due to the 18.3% drop in income from gate receipts which fell from €90,596 to €74,009.

While the 2018 figure included a North semi-final replay, this years divisional final between Borris-Ileigh and Kiladangan saw a smaller than expected attendance.

Overall income was down from €102,931 to €89,259, however, the board did manage to reduce their expediture slightly from €88,892 to €86,695, despite field rents, referees & gatechecker expenses and medals & trophies presentation costs going up.

However, overall the North Board is in a healthy financial position with a closing balance for the year of €268,879.

“Divisional Boards remain important in counties the size of Tipperary,” said vice-president Donie Nealon while county chairman John Devane in his address agreed that on the administration side that the divisions were needed to manage the workload.

He congratulated the division for a tremendous year in providing the four semi-finalists in the county senior hurling championship, which he says shows that new sixteen team senior championship is working as it is about getting the best teams into the latter stages.

However, he was concerned at the impact of playing the All Ireland club finals in the calendar year going forward which will put the squeeze on dates for club championship games which will have to be completed by mid October.

 

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