THE GAA RECORDED major increases in gate receipts and attendance figures in 2017 despite an All-Ireland final replay, which had taken place in four of the five previous years, not occurring.
The GAA took in over €34 million in gate receipts last year – a 13% increase on 2016 – as part of an overall revenue figure of €65.6 million in 2017.
When income from the Croke Park stadium (which hosted Coldplay and U2 concerts last summer) is accounted for, the 2017 revenue figure is €106.5 million.
The breakdown of the GAA’s revenue last year was as follows:
- Gate receipts – €34,391,635 – (52%)
- Commercial revenue – €18,742,684 – (29%)
- State funding – €4,442,948 – (7%)
- Other income – €8,043,235 – (12%)
€14.8 million was distributed by the GAA to counties last year, a 23% increase on the 2016 figure of €13.4 million.
Attendances
There was a notable increase in crowds last year for matches in the All-Ireland series with football up by 22% and hurling up by 29%.
The jump in attendances figures is striking considering that 2016 had seen in football an All-Ireland final replay between Dublin and Mayo and in hurling an All-Ireland semi-final replay between Kilkenny and Waterford.
A contributory factors towards the increase in football in 2017 was the run of the Mayo footballers through the All-Ireland series which included a quarter-final replay against Roscommon and a semi-final replay against Kerry.
In hurling the extended campaigns enjoyed by certain counties was significant. Wexford emerged to contest an All-Ireland quarter-final, Munster champions Cork helped to draw a major crowd to the All-Ireland semi-final of over 72,000 while All-Ireland finalists Waterford were involved in five games in the All-Ireland series.
Championship Attendances All-Ireland senior hurling
- 2017 – 348,905 (+29%) – 12 games
- 2016 – 269,745 – 12 games
All-Ireland senior football
- 2017 - 628,818 (+22%) – 33 games
- 2016 – 516,767 – 33 games
Gate Receipts Football championship
- 2017 – €16.4m (+9%)
- 2016 – €15m
Hurling championship
- 2017 – €10.7m (+26%)
- 2016 – €8.5m
Football league
- 2017 – €3.2m (+14%)
- 2016 – €2.8m
Hurling league
- 2017 – €2m (+5%)
- 2016 – €1.9m
Other Competitions
- 2017 – €1.2m (-20%)
- 2016 – €1.5m
I’d never even pretend to be much of a football fan, but when this crisis is over I’ll make a point of going to a couple of games. Might only be 15-20€ for a ticket but multiply that by 500 people and it would be a great help to any LOI club.
@Con Al: That’s about the same cost of three pints in Cork city it’s not a huge amount , few beers before and find a nice beer garden after. Football and beer on a Friday evening what more can you ask for..
@Con Al: not all hero’s wear capes
@Con Al: i used to love going to the Cross when i loved in Cork. Always had a good time.wish locals would support the club more. It’s nothing but a plus for the city to have a successful club going well.
@Con Al: you won’t be disappointed Con. I’ve been bringing my son to rovers home games for the last year and a half. We love spending Friday nights watching good football in a great atmosphere. From epic games against Dundalk and Bohs to sunshine drenched euro games, nothing beats being there as the action unfolds. If only more people knew the joy of watching live football. I’m a lifelong Liverpool fan, but I enjoy going to live games as much as watching Liverpool now. It’s great to support your local team.
They can call it what they like. It will always be referred to as “The Cross”. Or for oldies like myself, The Box.
I’m the meantime maybe it would be an idea to rename the Delaney Stand. Just saying like…
The English Market Turners Cross.
Great club, Irish football needs them, hope they get through these difficult times.
The Double Cross
The Kellogg’s box
Try to get Ford involved nothing better than a load of yanks with roots to Cork owning a football club. Surely Clonakilty Pudding could step in, and get a tax relief from the gov.