Longford county board recorded a profit of €43,362 in a year where the county board made a major purchase.
In a positive congress, further advanced by JP McManus surprise donation of €1,000,000 to Longford GAA, LGFA and camogie clubs, all committee members were returned unopposed.
However, some interesting points were raised in the Longford county board accounts. Gate receipts were down €79,894 compared to 2022. This was slightly offset by a rise in streaming subscriptions of €6,000.
Whereas, the board had no definite reason on the drop in attendances, the rise of streaming and quality of on-field play were highlighted by Chairman Albert Cooney.
Meanwhile, player expenses and travel were up some €60,000 on 2022. Longford treasurer Eugene Quaine highlighted part of this rise due to new agreements with the GPA.
Also highlighted by Quaine was the covid subsidy of €62,655. Quaine highlighted that this grant would expire from the 2024 accounts.
In his address to congress; Albert Cooney praised the membership for supporting the clubs acquisition of lands behind Pearse Park for Longford’s high performance centre. The next stage of the project will begin in 2024.
Cooney also highlighted the wrong doing of disrespect to referee and match officials and called on mentors across the county to lead by good example.
Cooney also commend the correct decision being made by the CCCC to withdraw their proposal to remove Longford and four other counties from the Allianz hurling league.
While opposed to the proposal Cooney noted, the issues raised were valid.
Forward Mark
The county convention passed a motion calling for the removal of the forward mark. Which Cooney stated in his address “was damaging the entertainment value” of Gaelic football.
That motion will not make the floor of the GAA convention until 2025.
Finally, Cooney thanked JP McManus for the donation of €1,000,000, which was received without notice by Longford county board on Thursday morning.
At the Longford GAA convention and there it is. Arrived this AM.
€1,000,000 from JP McManus!! @ShannonsideFM #GAA pic.twitter.com/Ntjg24yJS5— Dave Hooper (@davehooperSSNS) December 14, 2023
The cheque will be distributed by the Longford county board to all GAA, LGFA and camogie clubs in the county by January 31. Full terms & conditions are yet to be disclosed.
