Last December there was widespread celebration in GAA circles when billionaire businessman JP McManus donated €1,000,000 to every county board in the country.
Some of the finer details have been ironed out since then as reported in the Irish Independent. Each county has now made the amount distributed per unit.
There’s one unit for every club across every code including hurling, football, ladies football, camogie and handball too in some cases.
The GAA’s county structure has often been reflected on the field with the bigger counties often more successful.
However, that narrative has been flipped entirely. Larger amounts of money are available to counties with a smaller number of clubs.
Clubs in Longford will claim the highest share in the Shannonside Northern Sound region and across the 32 counties of Ireland - €24,390 for each of its 41 clubs.
In Leitrim 43 clubs will receive over €23,256 while in Roscommon 67 clubs will claim €14,925 each.
In Monaghan €15,806 will be handed out to 63 clubs. Please note that official confirmation on the breakdown in Monaghan couldn’t be established. The amount each unit receives is an accurate estimate nonetheless.
And Cavan are the county with the smallest amount per unit in the Shannonside Northern Sound region; €11,628 for 86 clubs
Interestingly, Carrick-on-Shannon looks set to be among the areas best served by JP McManus’ donation. Four clubs are expected to receive €93,023 between them.
The money is evenly divided between Carrick hurling and camogie clubs as well as both the football and ladies football section of St. Mary’s Kiltoghert.
Cork clubs will recieve the least in the country with just €2,494 spread between 401 clubs. Whereas, Fermanagh clubs will recieve €24,390 each.
