Exchange rate may lead to rise in Ulster charges

ULSTER GAA officials may be forced to increase admission charges tochampionship games this year as a consequence of the impact of the current exchange rate between Sterling and the Euro on their finances.

Council secretary Danny Murphy has warned it’s a big threat to the day-to-day workings of all of their constituent units in the foreseeable future. And, while pointing out that charges were not increased last year, the current exchange rates ‘will require a review of the equity of the current pricing arrangements.’

The Council achieved a surplus of e264,742 on its 2008 activities, with gate receipts of e3.335m representing 43% of total income, compared to 27% the previous year. According to Mr Murphy, their finances ‘are consistent’ with the level of support for their games programme. However, dispersible income ‘remains heavily dependant’ on the returns from the senior football championship.