€1,596,774 spent on Déise county teams in 2025
Waterford Co.GAA Convention 2025 held in Lawlors Hotel, Dungarvan. Pat Flynn, Secretary during the convention. Photos: Sean Byrne
Waterford GAA secretary Pat Flynn has warned that the cost of inter-county teams “is becoming increasingly unsustainable” in his report to the annual convention. Close to €1.6 million was spent on preparing Déise teams in 2025 (€1,596,774). That represents a jump of over €307,000 on the previous year (€1,288,894).
“The rising costs associated with county teams continue to place significant pressure on the day-to-day operations of the Board,” Flynn observed. “While success on the field is a shared ambition, the current level of expenditure is becoming increasingly unsustainable. I wish to commend the untiring work of our Treasurer, Kieran Geary, on securing additional income streams and fundraising opportunities. We must acknowledge the assistance again this year from Croke Park and the immense support of the Munster Council.”
€700,639 was spent on the senior hurling team, a rise of €194,520 on the 2024 figure (€506,119). The outlay on the senior footballers increased from €274,624 to €327,366. The All-Ireland winning minor hurlers totalled €173,893.
Despite these mounting costs, the Waterford board still recorded a surplus of €83,076 in their 2025 accounts. Fundraising income climbed by €326,000. The Win A House In Waterford draw brought in €337,994 alone. Commercial income rose by €80,000.
Gate receipts from club matches dipped by €25,000 (€389,473). The senior hurling final between Ballygunner and Mount Sion yielded €27,948, a drop of €13,000 on the year before.
Flynn expressed his opposition to any extension of the inter-county season. “We cannot permit any further reduction in the time allocated for club activity. Those calling for a return to September All-Irelands would appear not to place the clubs’ interests to the fore.”
He also defended the senior club schedule, which saw the hurling championship run over nine straight weekends. This drew criticism from Mount Sion manager Jamie O'Meara and De La Salle boss Ian Flynn. “At the behest of the clubs, this year’s Senior Championship was restructured into two groups of six, with all teams remaining in the competition after the League stage.”
Flynn explained in his report. “This change further reduced the potential for scheduled breaks - breaks the CCC is eager to introduce, particularly for the welfare of players. Contrary to some commentary, our scope for flexibility is limited by fixed timeframes at both ends of the calendar. We must therefore find a balanced solution, either through an earlier commencement date, if possible, or by adjusting competition structures. Without such measures, we risk losing players from our games.”
Flynn is alarmed by the scarcity of match officials across the county. “The increasing levels of abuse and constant questioning directed at referees have made it increasingly difficult not only to recruit new officials but also to retain the loyal and dedicated referees currently serving.
“This challenge has already reached a critical point, with several championship fixtures again this year proceeding without linesmen due to the shortage of personnel. It is therefore essential that clubs, working in partnership with the Referees Administration Committee, identify and encourage individuals to take up refereeing. Without such collective action, the sustainability of our competitions will be at risk.”
