Revenue examination of GAA finances could prove 'blessing in disguise' – Offaly GAA treasurer

WHILE some delegates were clearly unimpressed at the manner in which the Revenue Commissioners have targeted GAA finances, it could very well be looked on as a “blessing in disguise” in years to come, Offaly GAA Convention was told on Wednesday evening.

The comment was made by treasurer, Frank Fitzpatrick as delegates briefly discussed the annual accounts.

The accounts showed a deficit of €162,000, though Mr Fitzpatrick explained that the real figure was €118,000 when depreciation and amortisation was deducted from it. That €118,000 includes an assessed figure of €70,000 that Offaly GAA anticipate having to pay Revenue for a 2025 tax liability with Mr Fitzpatrick stating that their trading loss was actually €48,000.

The € figure that he was disappointed in, though he did point out to extenuating circumstances. For example income from the Offaly GAA championships dropped by over €30,000 to €513,629 while money raised from royalties, mostly from O'Neill's for sale of jerseys, fell from €86,197 in 2024 to €69,819 in 2025.

Mr Fitzpatrick said that the live streaming of games through Clubber was having an adverse impact on finances and this would have to be examined now that the contract with them is up. He attributed the drop in royalties to a big demand on jerseys in 2024 when Offaly won the All-Ireland U20 hurling final.

All of the usual figures generated zero comment from delegates and their interest was focused on only one aspect: the liability to Revenue.

The accounts show an overall provision of €210,000 for tax for the years 2021 to 2025. A payment of €30,000 has already been made as the tax authorities have focused on the manner in which the GAA pays expenses to managements and their extensive back up supports.

Revenue initially carried out an audit of three counties, forcing the GAA to instruct all counties to do a deep dive into their expenses and assess their own liability. For Frank Fitzpatrick and Operations Manager John Hackett, it was an intensive few months as they engaged in a comprehensive review of Offaly's finances over the last five years.

It prompted chairman Tom Parlon to quip that Offaly GAA left such a good paper trail that it was possible to examine every aspect of their finances in minute detail but he said this was to the credit of the officers involved and meant that every penny could be accounted for.

Mr Fitzpatrick stressed that the figures given were only projected ones and would not be finalised until signed off by Revenue in 2026.

The Doon man explained the penalties in very clear terms – they were for over paying expenses to team managements and their support staff. “What we see as legitimate expenses, Revenue see as taxable income that we didn't deduct tax for,” he outlined.

The treasurer said it will force the GAA to change the way they operate and they will have to become tax compliant. The bottom line, according to the treasurer, is that it is going to cost more to run the GAA and they will also have to cut costs.

Central Council delegate Michael Duignan was the chairman from 2021 to 2024 and he was not pressing any panic buttons as he said that the figures average at €35,000 a year which is not that big. He referred to the work the GAA does for the country in providing an outlet for youth and people of all ages, the €2 billion in revenue it generates in all its spheres and its positive impact on society.

Offaly's figures were described as “middle of the road” by chairman Tom Parlon and Mr Duignan said the money was well spent when you look at the two All-Ireland U20 hurling and football titles, the Joe McDonagh Cup and the Leinster U20 and minor hurling and football titles Offaly have won in the last five years. “We would not hand back one of those cups we won,” he smiled.

St Rynagh's delegate Paddy Scales was not happy with the GAA being targeted, asking had rugby and soccer, ladies football and camogie also been assessed.

Mr Fitzpatrick presumed they hadn't been, stating that the GAA is the biggest sporting organisation in the country and they would have went after them first.

Mr Scales felt the GAA don't get the credit for the role they play in the well-being of society and the income they generate and had been unfairly targeted.

Mr Duignan said he had argued that the GAA should have fought their case harder over the Revenue attack so while Mr Fitzpatrick said he felt this was the peak of the issue and solutions would be found going forward.

“Clubs and County Boards are going to have to change the methodology of the way they pay expenses. We might look on it as a blessing in disguise in ten years time. Either we increase our payments or we bring sense to some of the madness going on in clubs and counties. The bottom line is we have to alternative,” Mr Fitzpatrick stressed.

Mr Duignan felt they were paying legitimate expenses.”I think it will settle down,” he predicted, revealing that there are discussions going on between the GAA and Government.

Mr Fitzpatrick said Offaly GAA will also have to increase their own fundraising while Tom Parlon paid tribute to the treasurer and Operations Manager.

Mr Parlon added: “We are where we are and we have to get on with it. We are in a sticky situation but we have to be tax compliant.”

Later on in his address after he was returned for a second year as chairman, Mr Parlon remarked that the GAA have to be very careful to be seen to not to be trying to twist the arm of Revenue, remarking that there may be people who were delighted to see the GAA being targeted.

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“I would hope that Croke Park and the GAA nationally will be able to impress upon the Revenue that we are an exception, that we are not like a corporation, a farm, a construction firm. We are a group of volunteers that are working for the good of the country and the good of the people within the country. And for our heritage as well. We have a great team in Croke Park looked after by some very good people and we hope there will be better recognition of our organisation” Mr Parlon concluded.