Waterford GAA not subject to Revenue audit 

WATERFORD CONVENTION: Waterford club delegates were informed at Thursday night's annual convention in Dungarvan that the county board is not currently subject to an audit from Revenue. Picture: ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne

Waterford club delegates were informed at Thursday night's annual convention in Dungarvan that the county board is not currently subject to an audit from Revenue.

Jennifer Power from auditors Fitzgerald Power responded to a query from Ballinameela representative Conor Mulhall. "I don't know of any problematic areas at present and all we can do is take it from there. At this stage, that's all I can say on the matter."

In a meeting with officers from across the country on Tuesday, the GAA confirmed that Galway, Mayo and Wexford are subject to open risk reviews. Déise treasurer Kieran Geary attended that meeting. "It's at an early stage. Three counties are being reviewed. Croke Park are going to be acting on behalf of every county board and that is where we're at. We will receive further information from Croke Park in early January after they meet with Revenue once again."

Neil Moore (Abbeyside/Ballinacourty) succeeded Sean Michael O'Regan as county board chairman. O'Regan has completed his five-year term and will now lead the National Infrastructure Committee. He will also put his name forward for Munster vice-chairman. Moore served as Waterford vice-chairman for the past five years. He also chaired the Western Board. Brendan Tobin (Sliabh gCua/St Mary's) was elected as the new vice-chairman. Pat Grant (Fourmilewater) will represent Waterford on Central Council. He defeated Tom Cunningham (Stradbally) by 79 votes to 55.

The board recorded a deficit of €164,743 in their 2024 accounts. The Déise made a surplus of €371,053 in 2023. Fundraising income dipped by almost €675,000 from €842,154 to €167,786. The Win A House In Dungarvan draw brought in €777,991 the previous year.

Outgoing chairman Sean Michael O'Regan was asked if the county will be in dire straits financially early in the New Year. "I wouldn't say we're in dire straits. We have plans in place. You would hope that in May, with a successful House Draw, we would be in a good place. It's a big swing but there's lots of positives in the accounts."

The Déise spent almost €1.3 million on county teams (€1,288,894). The senior hurlers came in at €506,119. The senior footballers cost €274,624 to prepare. €113,177 was the outlay on the Waterford minor hurlers over the last twelve months while the U20s totalled €100,615. €72,315 was spent on the minor football team and €42,610 on the U20s. Development squads totalled €179,434.

The new Déise Draw yielded €106,787 in 2024 but the new Waterford supporters club only raised €10,332. Gate receipts at club games increased by €57,320. The senior hurling championship returned €163,706 including €41,573 from the county final between Ballygunner and Abbeyside.

Finance is a priority for new chairman Neil Moore. "Providing financial stability is of upmost importance," he admitted in his opening address to delegates. "We can achieve that. I implore all clubs to support the House Draw."

Underage is another main focus. "We do need to address our coaching and games structures and our games programme from minor down. That would be my target to improve the quality of our players."

In his last address as chairman, O'Regan remarked that abuse of referees must be addressed. "That needs to be cut out. The onus is on you to stop that."

He called on clubs to bring through new referees with the age profile of the current panel on the rise. "We all need to have a serious look."

He wished Neil Moore all the best for the next five years. "Hopefully, we'll win an All Ireland on his watch. Hopefully, we'll open Walsh Park on his watch."