Connacht counties hit with major financial blow due to scrapping of FBD League

THE GAA's decision to scrap the annual FBD League will have a major knock-on-effect on the finances of Connacht counties according to a statement released after last night's meeting of the provincial council. The headline cost reduction is the halving of funds to be paid to counties for the use of their stadiums in the 2025 Connacht Senior Football Championship which will have a major impact on the coffers of counties scheduled to host matches next summer.

The statement pulls no punches and reiterates the previous statements from Connacht GAA CEO John Prenty warning the loss of income from FBD matches would have negative implications for the development of Gaelic games in the province. 

"This decision comes in response to severe funding challenges faced by Connacht following the Ard Comhairle (Central Council) decision to remove one of the provinces main sources of funding, namely the FBD sponsored Connacht Football and Hurling Leagues. In recent years, the competition has taken place at the University of Galway Connacht GAA AerDome.

"Projected income for the province is expected to decline by nearly €150,000 due to losses in gate receipts, streaming, and sponsorship. The removal of these competitions in 2025 is anticipated to have a particularly negative impact, especially as teams, match officials, and supporters could have greatly benefited from experiencing new rules before the National League begins," the statement stresses.

"Delegates from all counties raised concerns during the meeting regarding the loss of revenue and the necessity of these competitions. They pointed out that managers would likely seek additional challenge matches, placing increased demands on players in terms of both playtime and travel. The delegates highlighted the missed opportunities provided by the FBD Connacht League and expressed a strong desire to explore alternative solutions for balancing the budget," the statement continues. 

"Additionally, the Connacht Hurling League has provided significant opportunities for all counties, further highlighted by the participation of New York, London, and Longford alongside the five Connacht counties. New York, in particular, has greatly benefited from participation in the Hurling leagues."