Cost of running Donegal GAA significantly increased in 2025

Donegal’s run of 11 championship games to reach the All-Ireland final in 2025 and the cost associated with that run is reflected in the accounts which will be presented to Donegal GAA Convention on Wednesday next in Jacksons Hotel by treasurer, Grace Boyle.

Expenditure increased from €3,037,735 to €3,7881,912, an increase of €744,177 but on the plus side income increased by €857,000 from €3,139,591 to the staggering figure of just under €4m (€3,997,937).

Those are the mouth-watering figures that are now needed to run successful counties as county teams account for the bulk of the expenditure at €2,094,330.

The breakdown of the income for the year reads (with 2024 figures in brackets): 

Commercial Income: €1,208,909 (€858,799)

Fundraising Income: €737,845 (€527,447)

Income from associated bodies: €1,103,367 (€860,964)

Analysis of Expenditure

County Team Administration:  €2,094,330 (1,861,737)

Upkeep and maintenance of Grounds: €332,354 (218,556)

Administration expenses: €440,666 (311,025)

Coaching & games development: €607,400 (449,808)

Grants/Promotional: €115,208 (25,606)

The surplus for the year after providing for depreciation and amortisation of grants amount to €216,025 (2024: €101,856). 

The treasurer outlines that strong fund-raising efforts helped in having a positive financial position at the end of the year.

The total income rose substantially across all categories:

• Commercial income increased to €1,208,909 (from €858,799 in 2024).
• Income from Associated Bodies rose to €1,103,367 (from €860,964 in 2024).
• Fundraising income, which we have the most direct influence over as a county, reached €737,845—up from €527,447 in 2024.

The treasurer has a special  word of thanks for all involved in the various fund-raising ventures. Notable contributions included:

• Cairde Dhún na nGall: €164,000
• 50/50 Draws: €90,000
• Team London: €92,000
• Football Golf Classic: €150,000
• Hurling Golf Classic: €10,000
• Summer BBQ (Dublin): €33,000
• Semi-Final Breakfast (Letterkenny): €48,000.

The treasurer also mentions that this year Croke Park initiated a Revenue Self-Review with Donegal GAA, commencing in June and lasting around twelve weeks. The review focused on the 2024 financial year, with extrapolated calculations applied to 2021–2023. It was a demanding process, coinciding with the All-Ireland series. 

“Donegal worked closely with Croke Park personnel, who were simultaneously engaged with several other counties. A conclusion was reached on 12th September, presented to the three principal officers and Eilish Rushe, who were asked to treat the findings confidentially. The matter was discussed at the Executive Meeting on 15th October, where it was agreed to accept the conclusions and make payment before year-end.

“As in other counties, Revenue has not yet formally accepted Donegal’s statement of liabilities. All 23 participating counties will undergo examination simultaneously, and some may face additional queries. We now await further developments in due course,” says treasurer Grace Boyle, who thanks her Finance Committee of Sorcha Sweeney, Máiréad Boyle, Jim McGlynn, Ciarán McKenna and Stephen McCahill and office staff  Lisa McTiernan and Eilish Rushe for the work they did over the year.