Success comes at a cost . . . €1,233,392 to be precise

GAELIC GAMES:SPENDING ON Tipperary's various intercounty teams has hit an all-time high, coming in at over €1.2 million this year.

Figures revealed at last night’s Premier County annual convention, held in Thurles, revealed the mammoth price of success following a memorable 2010.

Tipperary finished the year as All-Ireland senior and under-21 hurling champions, while a very first Munster under-21 football championship success was also secured.

Spending on Tipperary intercounty teams has topped the €1 million mark for a third successive year, coming in at €1,233,392 in 2010. This total is €150,000 higher than 2009.

But Tipperary officials believe that it’s money well spent and they could point to a glittering array of silverware on parade at the Dome in Semple Stadium at last night’s annual think-tank.

The rise in expenditure is also offset by an increase in monies collected from fundraising activities, up by over €100,000 this year, from €125,055 in 2009 to €226,827 in the last 12 months.

In the quest for glory, officials splashed out on three training camps for the senior hurlers at Carton House in Kildare, while the senior footballers embarked on a warm weather training camp, in Spain, for the very first time.

In addition, the senior footballers progressed to the second round of the All-Ireland qualifiers, while the under-21 hurlers and footballers enjoyed stellar seasons.

Accountant Gerry Spain told delegates: “Our overall position shows a deficit of €126,000 for the year, compared to almost €60,000 in the previous year. When one looks at the figure of €1.233 million on team administration expenses, it’s mind boggling.

“While the county has had tremendous success and won the all-Ireland, one would have to look at the expenses headings and see where savings can be made, in view of the drop in gate receipts, a trend which may continue in the current climate.

“It’s been a tremendous year for the county, but finances show a slight deficit, and looking briefly at divisional boards, they all made deficits in the year. Granted some of them were small, but one would have to look at maximising income and cutting costs.”