Conversations regarding a Clare GAA commercial officer took place in 2020 but “fell by the wayside,” former Chairperson Joe Cooney has revealed.
County Conventions across the country have heard requests for the appointment of commercial managers with Clare’s annual meeting being no different.
In 2020, Clare GAA had a commercial income of €157,222 compared with €382,933 a year previous. Advertising income was halved while a drop of €67,851 was recorded when it came to match programmes, €154,570 was brought in for ‘other’ in commercial revenue according to Treasurer Michael Gallagher’s report.
Tulla tabled a proposal calling on Clare GAA to examine the feasibility “of appointing a commercial manager or similar type role to adequately maximise the advertising and marketing possibility potentially available to Clare GAA,” the motion read.
“There is money made to be made from the GAA,” Tulla delegate Brian Torpey stated as he referenced the streaming service Clare GAA TV which brought in €39,124 for the County Board during the 2020 club championship. Torpey felt “professional independent help” was required “to maximise the resources” of the organisation.
Speaking at County Convention, Joe Cooney stated that he sat down with an unnamed qualified individual on the subject of commercial management. “The person was willing to help us out” but due to COVID-19 “it fell by the wayside”. “It is something the Executive have in mind for 2021,” the outgoing Chairperson remarked.
