GAA records €13.5m surplus for 2021

Government support of almost €30m contributed as the GAA rebounded strongly from a record loss in 2020 to report a €13.5m surplus for 2021.

After a €34.1m deficit for 2020 in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, the association has returned to black following a limited return of gate income, an increase in commercial revenue owing to two full All-Ireland championships and a new September financial year end, but government funding of €29.8m (€18.5m in 2020) represented 44% of the income.

The association revealed a voluntary redundancy scheme undertaken during the year saw 16 staff members leave the organisation, a move that will reduce the future annual salary cost by €1m per annum at central level.

The news came in the GAA’s annual statement of accounts, ending on 30 September last.

Director General Tom Ryan noted in his annual report that while 2021 was a challenge, the results show things are moving in the right direction.

"Despite what was going on around us, the year felt a little more orderly, and we navigated a steady course through most of what the year threw at us," he said.

"Make no mistake, it was still traumatic, though, and as we strive to put Covid behind us there are some things we won't forget."

Government support comprised of a combination of the €21.5m received under the Government's 2020 and 2021 'National Governing Resilience’ supports, €5.2m in Covid-19 club support funding, €2.3m in coaching and games funding and €800,000 in smaller-based project supports.

County and provincial results, reported independently of the Croke Park financial report, showed that the 32 county boards recorded a combined surplus of €8.3m.