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.