Ryan reported that the GAA’s revenue increased from £93m in 2023 to £110m in 2024, which was largely explained by the six concerts and two rugby games that was staged in Croke Park.
Attendances at inter-county games dropped by 10% in 2024 which Ryan believes was partially explained by the “lack of jeopardy” in several championship games and dissatisfaction with the style of modern-day football – something GAA bosses will hope that the new rules may rectify.
Croke Park Ltd, which runs GAA headquarters, had a 42% increase in turnover with revenues generated just short of £50m thanks to the concert schedule which included four Coldplay dates and shows by Bruce Springsteen and AC/DC.
After salaries (£15m) were deducted, some £13.3m of the £50m figure went directly to the GAA’s Central Council.
The GAA director general’s report also outlined that the association spent over £17m on stadium improvements at Croke Park which included an £11m upgrade of the Cusack Stand.
While Croke Park’s financial picture was positive, the picture was less rosy in counties with county boards cumulatively posting a profit of £1.5m as opposed to the £3.4m figure of 2023.
GAA Finance Director Ger Mulryan cited inter-county team expenses as being the major factor in the drop with the cost of preparing squads in 2024 reaching nearly £37m.
“It’s difficult to see how the level we have now, where that’s going to take us in five to 10 years time if we don’t arrest it,” added Ryan.
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