Galway GAA has said that it is disappointed in the statement released by Supermac’s this week asking for a breakdown of how its sponsorship money is spent.
Supermac’s has sponsored the Galway GAA county teams to the tune of almost €1.6 million since 2015, a period that also saw significant financial mismanagement by the county board.
Two audits were carried out on Galway’s finances which found irregularities in the lodging of gate monies, huge costs run up on the credit card, and massive ticket debt owed to Croke Park.
Supermac’s requested a full accounting of how its sponsorship money is spent this week, asking “have the players and management benefitted or has the county board benefited?”
The people who voluntarily give over their time to promote and administrate games and the welfare of players deserve as much, it added.
Galway GAA released a statement in response which said that it has spent €7.4 million preparing the county football and hurling teams in the past five years, including investment in training facilities.
Regarding the financial mismanagement highlighted by the Mazars audit, the county board pointed to the appointment of a new Finance and Operations Manager who started work last month.
An Audit Committee with representation from Galway, Connacht, and Croke Park has also been set up.
County Chairperson Pat Kearney said that Supermac’s has made a valued contribution to the county’s success in the past five seasons, and that he looks forward to being able to discuss this with Pat McDonagh directly.
The full statement reads:
Galway GAA is disappointed with the statement, released by long-serving county sponsor, Supermacs, last night, relating to the sponsorship of our county teams.The Galway County Committee acknowledges the long-standing, generous support of Pat McDonagh and Supermacs to Galway GAA, which has been beneficial to both parties.
Galway GAA are happy to confirm that sponsorship, contributed by Supermacs, went towards the preparation of all our inter-county teams in both codes.  For purposes of clarity, the board would like to point out that in excess of €7.4m has been spent by Galway GAA in the preparation of the football and hurling teams, to the highest standards, over the course of the last five seasons, Supermacs Sponsorship has made a valued contribution to this overall cost.
Our teams have been involved in All-Ireland semi-finals and finals in that period, ensuring long and high-profile campaigns, over the course of the summers in question.
In addition to team preparation costs, there has also been significant capital expenditure on training facilities.
Galway GAA has overseen a review of its financial operation in recent months, with the assistance of the GAA at Central Level. We are currently implementing the findings of the 2018 Mazars Report, which highlighted previous governance deficiencies in Galway GAA. This has been overseen by a representative from Croke Park, and ensures that the highest standards of financial and accounting practices are now in place.  As a consequence, we have appointed a new Finance and Operations Manager, who commenced employment last month.  In addition to this, an Audit Committee with Galway, Connacht and Croke Park representation is in place to independently monitor corporate governance practices in Galway GAA.Â
We look forward to having the opportunity to discuss these matters with Pat McDonagh directly.
Galway GAA will be making no further comment.
Le dea-ghuÃ,Pat KearneyCounty Chairperson, Galway GAA
