Cork GAA Clubs Face New Levies to Tackle Debt
Table of Contents
- 1. Cork GAA Clubs Face New Levies to Tackle Debt
- 2. Concerns Raised by clubs
- 3. Rebels’ Bounty: A Key Point of Contention
- 4. Revisit of Past Statements and Future Considerations
- 5. What choice solutions to the new levies has CCAG proposed to the Cork GAA County board?
- 6. Cork GAA Clubs Face New Levies: A Conversation with Aisling O’Mahony
- 7. What are the core issues CCAG has with these implications of the new levies?
- 8. Some county board representatives have suggested that these levies are necesary to ensure the longevity of Páirc Uí Chaoimh.Would CCAG agree with this assessment?
- 9. Concerns have been raised that the levies will divert funding away from Rebels’ Bounty, an initiative that benefits both clubs and Cork GAA. Can you expand on this?
- 10. Many clubs argue that they were assured in previous years that there wouldn’t be levies imposed on them to service this debt. How does CCAG view these assurances?
- 11. What message would you like to send to the Cork GAA County Board ahead of their upcoming meeting?
Cork GAA clubs are facing new levies to contribute towards the repayment of a €31 million plus debt on SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh. While the need to address the debt is widely acknowledged, concerns have been raised about the fairness and impact of these levies on already struggling clubs.
Concerns Raised by clubs
Many club representatives expressed disappointment and concern over the decision. St. Vincent’s PRO and Sinn Féin Councillor Mick Nugent stated, “I would be concerned about these so-called service levies,” adding that the county board should explore alternative fundraising strategies that don’t burden clubs already facing financial pressure. He further emphasized, “It’s a challenge for clubs, particularly below senior level, to ensure the funds are there annually to keep the teams on the pitch and our gaelic Games alive in our communities.”
St. Finbarr’s football chairperson Paul O’keeffe also shared his disappointment, referencing past commitments from Cork GAA leadership to avoid imposing financial burdens on clubs due to the debt.He stated, “We already engage in fundraising through Rebels’ Bounty, so essentially it’s putting more financial burden on clubs wich is harsh from my personal perspective.” Another unnamed Cork GAA club echoed this sentiment, highlighting the challenges of rising operational costs and the existing financial commitments clubs undertake, including lotto, bag packing, sponsored walks, and even membership fee increases. This club urged the county board to reconsider the levies and avoid further straining already stretched resources.
Rebels’ Bounty: A Key Point of Contention
The impact on Rebels’ Bounty, a fundraising initiative that benefits both clubs and Cork GAA, has also been a point of contention. Several club representatives believe that the levies will divert funds away from this crucial program, further hindering their ability to support their teams and communities.
Revisit of Past Statements and Future Considerations
in 2019, Cork GAA CEO Kevin O’Donovan, while speaking to RTÉ, acknowledged the possibility of levies on clubs to address the debt. He stated, “We can talk forever about levies or not imposing levies. We would hope that there would never be a levy placed on clubs to fund bricks and mortar, but at the same time, we have to face the harsh reality that it’s our stadium. If it’s our stadium, it’s our debt.”
The upcoming county board meeting on Tuesday at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh will likely see further discussions and potentially even debates surrounding these new levies. Clubs across the county are encouraged to actively participate in these discussions to voice their concerns and contribute to finding solutions that balance the need to address the debt while minimizing the impact on grassroots Gaelic games.
The sustainability of Cork GAA’s financial model and the future of its clubs depend on finding solutions that are both effective and equitable. Open communication and collaboration between the county board and clubs are crucial for navigating this challenging situation.
What choice solutions to the new levies has CCAG proposed to the Cork GAA County board?
Cork GAA Clubs Face New Levies: A Conversation with Aisling O’Mahony
Cork GAA clubs are facing new levies designed to help service the €31 million plus debt on SuperValu Páirc Uí chaoimh. While the need to address this debt is widely acknowledged, concerns have been raised about the fairness and impact of these levies on already struggling clubs. As the secretary of the newly formed Cork Club Advocacy Group (CCAG),Aisling O’Mahony,has been vocal about these concerns. we spoke to Aisling about the situation and the ongoing debate within the county board.
What are the core issues CCAG has with these implications of the new levies?
“Firstly, many clubs are finding it incredibly tough to balance their budgets already. Increased operational costs, rising insurance premiums, and trying to keep young people involved in the GAA are just some of the challenges. Now, on top of that, they’re expected to contribute to this debt? ItS simply not sustainable for many.”
Some county board representatives have suggested that these levies are necesary to ensure the longevity of Páirc Uí Chaoimh.Would CCAG agree with this assessment?
“We understand the importance of Páirc Uí Chaoimh,but are these levies the only solution? We believe the county board needs to explore all other options – fundraising initiatives,engagement with sponsors,exploring alternative financing models. The debt wasn’t incurred overnight, so surely a solution can be found without drastically impacting already stretched club finances?”
Concerns have been raised that the levies will divert funding away from Rebels’ Bounty, an initiative that benefits both clubs and Cork GAA. Can you expand on this?
“Rebels’ Bounty is a fantastic program that supports grassroots clubs directly. we’re concerned that these levies will inevitably reduce the amount clubs receive through Rebels’ Bounty, further limiting their ability to operate and develop their teams.”
Many clubs argue that they were assured in previous years that there wouldn’t be levies imposed on them to service this debt. How does CCAG view these assurances?
“It’s deeply concerning when commitments made by the county board aren’t kept. This creates a lack of trust and leaves clubs feeling abandoned.Transparency and open communication are desperately needed. The county board must acknowledge the concerns of the clubs and work collaboratively to find solutions that don’t further burden them.”
What message would you like to send to the Cork GAA County Board ahead of their upcoming meeting?
“We urge the county board to reconsider these levies. We believe that a solution can be found that addresses the debt without jeopardizing the sustainability of club Gaelic games in Cork. We’re open to discussions and finding common ground that benefits all stakeholders. The future of Cork GAA depends on it.”
