Kerry clubs raise over €100k to fund All-Ireland final runs

Senior finalists Dingle have raised over €30,000 so far but that number should increase significantly before their decider against St Brigid's on January 18

An Ghaeltacht, who face Glenullin in Sunday's All-Ireland Club IFC final, have raised over €55,000 so far to cover the costs of their campaign. Pic: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

The three Kerry clubs that have reached All-Ireland finals have raised over €100,000 towards their team preparations.

In just a few days, over €55,000 has been accumulated on the GoFundMe website for the cause of intermediate finalists An Ghaeltacht. The fundraiser was set up following their extra-time semi-final win over Sallins in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh last Saturday.

“We have reached the All-Ireland final for the first time in 22 years,” their message on the website reads. “We desperately need financial support to cover the costs of the campaign. Can we count on you? Sprid, Croí, Caid, Teanga.” 

On iDonate, the Ballymacelligott club, who face Tyrone’s Clogher Éire Óg in the junior final in Croke Park on Sunday prior to An Ghaeltacht’s clash with Glenullin, have attracted almost €23,000.

On the same website, Dingle GAA have raised in excess of €30,000, a number which is expected to grow significantly before Sunday week’s decider with St Brigid’s.

On X on Tuesday, captain Paul Geaney posted: “Thank you all so much for the well wishes and nice messages after last weekend. Next week we go to Croke Park and hope to finish the job. If you’re interested in donating to the cause we’re very grateful.” 

In a great show of community spirit on Monday, Glenullin’s members combined to clear snow off the club’s pitch so that the players could train on it ahead of the final.

Meanwhile, Ulster GAA have welcomed the Northern Ireland Executive’s intention to reflect inflationary pressures in additional funding for Casement Park.

Finance Minister John O’Dowd’s draft budget includes an extra £40 million (€46m) for the redevelopment of the Belfast venue, although the budget is subject to public consultation and further consideration.

The figure would bring the secured funding for the stadium to just over £210m (€242m). The executive initially committed £62.5m (€72m) to the project in 2011.

“The Ulster GAA & its Stadium Project Board welcomes the publication of the Northern Ireland Executive’s Draft Budget and the proposed increase in funding for the re-development of Casement Park to take account of inflationary pressures given delays for the project to date,” the provincial council’s statement read.

“This represents a significant and positive step forward in a project that Ulster GAA, alongside many partners, has worked diligently on for a number of years to secure.

“Casement Park is an Executive flagship programme for government priority and a vital piece of sporting and community infrastructure, not only for Gaelic games but for the wider sporting and cultural life of the North.”