Leitrim loss hits Sligo finances

SLIGO’S shock defeat to Leitrim in their own backyard at Markievicz Park last summer ended up costing them €40,000 and was a prime factor in them making a financial loss for the year.

Sligo county board chairman Cyril Feehily said that the surprise 1-10 to 0-10 defeat had ramifications on and off the field and was a key factor in them recording a loss of €78,000 for the year.

The previous year, when Sligo defeated Mayo and Galway before going down to Roscommon in the Connacht final, they recorded a small profit of €2,773 on income of €554,908.

Income dropped by around €20,000 this year and with costs increasing across the board, Sligo recorded a big loss for the year.

“Losing to Leitrim hit us directly for €40,000 and cost us dearly. There was a loss of €20,000 from television and another €20,000 from advertising and other sources.

“To deal with a loss-making situation on our day-to-day running of our affairs is something that is not sustainable and has to be addressed.

“We have to make this our final loss-making year and put it behind us, but we have dealt with this before and will do so again,” added Feehily.

Sligo are one of a number of counties without a sponsor for 2012 but the chairman is confident that they will secure a financial backer for the new season.