McHale Park a huge problem for clubs, says East Mayo chair

McHale Park “a huge problem”for clubs says East Mayo chair


Daniel Carey

McHALE Park will present “a huge problem” for GAA clubs in Mayo – “now and in the future”, Vincent Walsh told the recent East Mayo GAA Board Convention.
Walsh, who stepped down as divisional secretary after 34 years, said some clubs in Mayo spend the same amount of money in a year as Mayo GAA Board must pay back in interest rates on the McHale Park loan every month.
Describing the current era as “the most turbulent time in the history of the GAA”, he said the recession had led to a “rapid decline in sponsorship”. It was having a “direct effect” on “those involved trying to raise much-needed funds for McHale Park and clubs in general”, said Walsh, who noted that supporter turnout is also escalating downwards. “Between driving to and from the venue, [the] cost of tickets, food and drinks, [and] programmes, a day out at a GAA match isn’t as economically friendly as it used to be,” he added.
Walsh, who succeeded Kieran Byrne as chairman at Convention, said there were “far too many competitions”, particularly at underage level. The County Board “cannot expect clubs” to fund it if they run so many competitions “beyond the reach of most clubs and parents”, he concluded.
The outspoken official added that the recent East Mayo Scór na nÓg finals were “nothing short of a joke”, adding: “Can anyone in their right mind expect divisional boards to continue running at a loss of €140 paid out by way of expenses incurred to adjudicators, medals, hall rent, etc?”
Walsh praised the “pride and passion” of GAA clubs like his own, Swinford, which continued to fight against adversity to achieve a strong volunteer base, community ethos, self-sufficiency, team development, loyalty, sacrifice and a sense of identity, and provide facilities that were “second to none”.
Describing the role of sport in the lives of young GAA players as “invaluable” in inculcating essential lessons, he said the need for “a good core of coaches” was greater than ever. He praised the many GAA volunteers who “keep alive the spirit of our founders” but added: “Those at the top in our association do not fully appreciate the contribution of the voluntary sector”.