Waterford's season comes at a cost

NEWS ROUND-UP: WATERFORD'S MARCH to a first All-Ireland senior hurling final since 1963 ensured that 2008 was the most expensive year to date in the county's long GAA history.

Expenditure hit the €4.3 million mark, up an estimated €400,000 from 12 months ago, as the costs involved in preparing the various intercounty teams rocketed. Figures distributed to clubs from county board treasurer Michael Hogan yesterday show that the expenditure on county teams rose to €865,000 in 2008, up from €711,000 last year.

"The difference is that we had a month longer training, and All-Ireland weekend on its own is very expensive," Hogan explained.

"That weekend cost in the region of €50,000 when you take into account tickets, hotel accommodation, buses, trains, meals and banquet expenses."

Running the county's senior football team cost less than €100,000 as the hurlers captured the limelight once again.

Published accounts will show expenditure of €2.3 million for Waterford GAA this year, with that figure rising another €2 million when ticket sales and national league gates are considered.

"The figure of €4.3 million is what has gone through my hands this year as treasurer," said Hogan. "We still made a small profit of €33,000 compared with €38,000 last year, so we are covering our costs. A lot of fundraising would have taken place this year as well, generating €260,000."

Hogan also predicted that costs will continue to rise next year.

"From a Waterford point of view what you have to look at is that, up to six or seven years ago, we were never involved in the latter stages of the championship.

"We went out earlier and our costs were less. It's definitely going up and will again next year with mileage rates set to rise by 20 per cent from 50 cents per mile to 60 cents."

Meanwhile, the Ulster Council have cleared a number of days this week to cater for the processing of John McEntee's red card shown during Sunday's drawn Ulster club football final between Ballinderry and Crossmaglen.

Television pictures suggest the Crossmaglen player was incorrectly sent off by Tyrone referee Martin Sludden for what was believed to be an elbow on Darren Conway.

The council's Competitions Control Committee will deliberate the referee's report tomorrow and may view video evidence or ask the referee if he would like to reconsider his decision. Should they recommend a suspension for McEntee, he can request a hearing in sufficient time to allow an appeal and recourse to arbitration by the Disputes Resolution Authority if necessary.

The replay is fixed for Enniskillen next Sunday.