Cork Board’s coffers in healthy condition with rise in profits

CORK County Board remains the wealthiest in the country. The financial statement to be presented to Sunday’s convention shows an increase in profits of €116,800 for the year under review.

Income increased by €400,000 to €1,881,310 made up primarily of an increase in gate receipts to €784,476 (€735,815 in 2002), commercial income (gross) of €562,256 (€376,489) and transfer income of €411,589 (€240,410).

These figures are all the more remarkable considering that there was a drop of almost €250,000 for rent of stadia in 2003. Páirc Uí Chaoimh hosted seven inter-county championship games in 2002.

The members’ draw has proved a nice earner, with gross income amounting to €1,936,208. After commission was paid to clubs (€934,732) and prizes and administration were taken into account (€655,938), the draw netted a profit of €345,538.

The O2 sponsorship brought in €176,418, with a new three-year deal due to be finalised in the near future. Permanent TSB contributed €73,000 while jersey royalties added €51,544.

Expenditure for the year amounted to €1,764,510, the bulk of which was spent on inter-county teams.

Among the biggest items were: catering €163,320; players travelling expenses €97,307; travel and overnights €81,369; gear, equipment and medical €123,067; sponsored gear and equipment €137,723 and contributions to players’ tour funds €144,133, while club team expenses amounted to €155,614.