Revenue audits a strong possibility for GAA clubs

There is concern that GAA clubs in Westmeath are facing potential revenue checks following the revelation that the county committee has had to allow for a €150,000 settlement.

The matter relates to payments to managers and management teams, it was confirmed.

Lough Lene Gaels delegate, Martin Williams, raised the issue at last week’s County Convention in the Mullingar Park Hotel. Outgoing chairman Frank Mescall gave a bleak assessment: “I’d say this will come to clubs. I made the point in Croke Park, there are a number of clubs paying managers more than we are. Jarlath Burns (GAA President) nearly fell off the stool when I said that. But I know it’s a fact. Both in the county and outside the county. It’s going on left, right and centre; we need to wake up to it.”

Patrick Doherty, Head of Operations, explained there is no guarantee revenue will not pursue the issue further and the usual move for them is to follow another company associated with the company which owes a settlement. Therefore clubs can take nothing for granted: “It would have to be a concern. There is nothing concrete from revenue as yet and we do not have any agreement. It has started with 26 county boards. Could it happen with clubs? Absolutely.”

Tom Hunt, Mullingar Shamrocks, wondered if Westmeath will now be clear since they have agreed a settlement. He wondered also if the county’s expenses will rise as they will have to look after the tax bill of their paid people.

Frank Mescall explained there will be a liability in 2026 also.

“It’s not the end of it. The amateur status review committee was set up years ago. The report is coming for Congress 2026. Everybody knows out there, we are paying managers and backroom teams and we will continue to do that. We will have a liability in 2026 also.

“We have to live in the real world; we want good coaches for our county teams, to get them to perform to their best ability.

“Will we get the best (coaches) if we are only paying mileage? And that’s four contact sessions per week, plus a little add-on. I don’t think so. Other counties won’t get it either. We want the best for our county teams. This horse left the stable so many years ago — I think it’s going to be virtually impossible to put it back.

“Should we operate the PAYE system? No is the advice, because then you are into employment laws and everything that goes with it. It’s a mess. Where it will end, how it will be solved … I wouldn’t be optimistic.”

“Maybe I shouldn’t ask any more,” quipped Mr Hunt, to laughter from other delegates.

“We know what revenue requires and we should be complying with it, and that means we pay whatever revenue needs us to. We shouldn’t be going through an audit again. It shouldn’t be arising again.”

Mr Mescall described it as a voluntary audit and said a full audit is inevitable. “James Savage and Pat Reilly, for example, in their time as secretary, had two audits,” he explained.

“It was 2011 when we were told (revenue would be investigating) and the penny didn’t drop until now. In 2026 they will look to keep it the same because counties have deals done with their managers and coaches. Croke Park are working with revenue to keep it the same.”

Expenses for development squads queried

Joe Fallon (Athlone) queried payments to U20, U17 and development team managers and selectors: “I wasn't aware it was there. In 2024 I was involved. The reality is, from my experience, we don’t get a penny (expenses). So that’s why I’m wondering.”

Patrick Doherty confirmed the figures relating to U20/U17/development squads’ expenses, totalling almost €50,000, is correct. It covers team managers/selectors and backroom team personnel.

Joe Fallon queried: “Does that figure include development squads?”

Patrick Doherty confirmed: “If there are any (expenses) for development squads, it includes it.”

Meanwhile, Killucan’s Sean Brady queried if Westmeath will secure a tax clearance certificate which will be crucial regarding grants for planned development work on the new centre of excellence. Mr Doherty confirmed the county committee is tax compliant.

“Because of the fact that revenue and the GAA are in discussion, there is no question of tax clearance being withdrawn. The 26 counties have engaged,” he remarked.

Chairman points to €600,000 shortfall for new training centre

Martin Williams felt the money raised in the Win a Home in Spain draw this year should have been exclusively for the new centre of excellence: “Going forward, can it be ringfenced for that (project)?”

Chairman Frank Mescall confirmed: “We had to use it for day-to-day running of our affairs. It’s a pity, but we had to.” He felt it was prudent to do so.

“Being realistic, why have a debt and money elsewhere, and we making nothing for you?” he observed.

He said it would be ideal if the money raised could be ringfenced but it’s a matter for the new county committee. “I’m not going to tie Paddy (Wallace, the new chairman) to anything.”

He also criticised the lack of support from clubs for the fundraiser, explaining that 26 of the 47 clubs failed to support the venture. He stressed that he was not “getting at” clubs or being negative about the situation, pointing out that the committee will have to deal with the shortfall for what is a huge project.

“When we get planning permission, we will be paying out €900,000 in the next couple of months (for the site); we have just over €300,000,” he noted, saying the shortfall here sums up his personal disappointment with this year’s fundraiser, the nett amount raised.

“The clubs are one of five stakeholders in this (project): 21 clubs sold their allocated tickets, meaning 26 did not. We need to wake up,” he declared.

“You can do it for the clubs; we don’t have the same ability as a county, that’s the sad reality. We are facing into a major project,” he remarked, pointing out that the full details of Westmeath’s financial status are presented in the accounts. He thanked Aidan Walsh (treasurer) and Patrick Doherty for their work with the accounts.

“There is nothing hidden, and Paddy (Wallace) needs to be aware of where we are going into 2026, and thereafter,” he remarked.

There was controversy after this year’s draw when the chairman was accused of shedding the county in a bad light following his remarks about the total raised.

Successful year for Club Iarmhí

The official Westmeath supporters group, Club Iarmhí, raised just over €24,000 this year in addition to their work with the Win a Home in Spain fundraiser. The golf classic raised almost €19,000, while the half-time draws netted over €5,000.

Club Iarmhí returned a positive balance of almost €54,000 and that was after paying expenses of around €8,000 for the golf classic, €2,400 for printing of tickets, and various contributions to clubs and schools. These are donations on Club Iarmhí’s behalf.

Chairman Frank Mescall thanked Club Iarmhí for their fundraising work. “I think their balance will be reducing a bit next year,” he remarked.