Why the statistics only tell part of the story

THE GAA recently outlined its latest figures for attendances and revenues. As Croke Park says farewell to the Six Nations this evening, Michael Moynihan enlisted academic and All-Ireland-winner John Considine to look beyond the figures.

JOHN CONSIDINE says straightaway that his professional concerns as a professor of economics and sporting interests as an All-Ireland hurling medal-winner with Cork often intersect.

It’s just that they don’t tend to cross over on the obvious issues. Recently Croke Park held a briefing on intercounty attendances and resultant revenues, but the economist in Considine looks beyond the headlines.