Government funding for growing hurling expected to be 'recurring' 

Minister Patrick O'Donovan said the League of Ireland academies model could be a blueprint for growing other sports, including hurling. 

The government has committed €750,000 in the 2026 Budget towards growing hurling in "non-traditional" counties. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

The GAA received additional funding of €983,000 from the Government in the Budget announced on Tuesday. €750,000 will go towards growing hurling in “non-traditional” areas while the remainder is “enhanced core funding” for the Association.

The GAA had sought a larger figure but minister Charlie McConalogue said the investment is likely to be made on a regular basis. “The expectation is that this would be recurring,” said the minister.