Credit crunch hits hard in Waterford

THE gravity of the overall financial situation in Waterford was starkly spelled out by the Western Board divisional chairman, Eddie Cunningham, in his address to the board’s annual GAA convention in Dungarvan last night.

The Tallow clubman warned unless they have adequate funding in place for the coming year, they won’t be able to compete on a level playing field with rival counties.

Cunningham, whose own board has already given a €15,000 grant to county board, insisted he was not using scare tactics. “The county board is facing very difficult financial times, and very tough decisions will have to be made,” said Cunningham.

“The cost of just fielding county teams is enormous, and while the clubs are themselves finding it difficult to keep afloat.”

The report of treasurer John Jackson showed total income came to €64,000. However, including that county board grant, the expenditure amounted to €79,570, resulting in a loss of €15,324, reducing the board’s current surplus to €27,679.

The new county PRO is Richard Tobin of Brickey Rangers while referee Pat Casey of Cappoquin/Affane as assistant treasurer.

Officers for 2012: Chairman: Eddie Cunningham (Tallow); Vice-chair: Brendan Tobin (St Mary’s/Sliabh gCua), Sec: Pat Grant (Fourmilewater), Asst sec: Emer Barry (Lismore), Treasurer: John Jackson (Ballyduff Upper), Asst Treasurer Pat Casey, PRO Richard Tobin.