Leitrim seek funding for New York and London trips

Leitrim GAA officials have asked the Connacht Council and the GAA for funding to meet the costs of championship and league trips to New York and England next year.

Andy Moran's senior footballers are due to play New York in the provincial championship next season – but as of yet no date has been agreed for this fixture.

Leitrim are also due to play London in next year’s Allianz Football League and there is a possibility that the county’s senior hurlers will have at least one game in England next season.

The board recently conducted an independent review of its finances and fears that the costs of those trips could be overwhelming.

Accounts show that in 2018, when Leitrim played in the Connacht SFC in New York, the trip cost €95,000.

On that occasion, the Leitrim board received a €50,000 grant from the Connacht Council to help supplement that bill.

But now there are fears that the cost of next year's trip to the Big Apple could double to almost €200,000 due to the increased cost of living and other factors.

A party of up to 50 including players, backroom team and officials could have to travel.