By Noel Dundon, Tipperary Media
€3 billion reasons why.
The GAA has achieved another first of its kind this week with the completion of a landmark comprehensive analysis of the economic impact of Gaelic games and a measurement of its social value and social return on investment.
We all know that the GAA is priceless, especially in local communities where it is at the very heart of the parish. However, this independent analysis of Gaelic games activity by international experts has found that the social value of Gaelic games is estimated to be worth at least €2.87 billion to Irish society. Just take that in -€2.7 billion – that would just about build a National Children’s Hospital—well, maybe not!!!
For every €1 invested in Gaelic games, the benefit returned to society is at least €2.30 and could be as much as €3.96, the thirteen month report which was commissioned by the GAA, LGFA and Camogie Association revealed – the report was undertaken by Sheffield Hallam University’s Sport Industry Research Group, who are pioneers in the economics of sport and sport’s wider social impacts. It was facilitated by colleagues in Manchester Metropolitan University and Ulster University also and carries enormous weight.
Measuring the social value of something is not an easy task and that is why this particular study is eye-opening and revealing. Now, there is science behind the statement that the GAA is invaluable to local communities; now there is real credibility with the many claims of economic value – the Munster senior hurling final for instance was worth €3.2 million to Thurles and €4.5 million to Tipperary. Fact.
The study is based on the analysis of national, provincial, county and more than 500 club accounts from across Gaelic games. It established for the first time, the economic impact of Gaelic games activity across the 32 counties, and the social value of the work of more than 1,600 clubs which are led by volunteers – there are approximately 80 such clubs operating in The Premier County.
Analysis of the social value of Gaelic games activity estimates that an input, or spend, to produce Gaelic games of €1.244 billion, resulted in outcomes valued to Irish life worth €2.87 billion. This is made of of: €31.06 million for Health; €556.48 million for Subjective Wellbeing; €1.224 billion for Social Capital, and €1.056 billion for the replacement cost of volunteering.
Consumer spending on Gaelic games amounts to €377m, which equates to 7.8% of the sport industry – that’s a very sizeable spend for an amateur organisation. Then, Gross Value Added attributable to Gaelic games is €710 million which is 8.7% of the sport industry.
As far as employment goes, Gaelic Games accounts for 10,600 full time equivalent position -almost 10% of the sport industry. A reminder again that this is an amateur organisation.
Total economic activity attributable to Gaelic games is €1,619 million and the government receives €192.6 million in direct and indirect taxation from Gaelic games. That is something not to be sniffed at and should certainly quieten the naysayers who question why so much financial support goes in the direction of the Association for capital projects.
The GAA makes an enormous contribution to the Irish and global society – the impact of social investment has not been calculated for overseas activities. Just picture the number of emigrants who find themselves in various spots around the world and who end up seeking out the GAA club in order to help them to settle in. What an incredible service these clubs are doing for Irish folks.
Cashel hit a rock; Gunners decommissioned
Cashel King Cormacs found themselves drowning under the weight of a fine Watergrasshill side in the Munster final as the Tipp champs’ fine season came to a close. They will be disappointed not to have added to their silverware haul, but can look back with great satisfaction and look forward with great optimism to their return to the top flight.
Meanwhile, the Gunners of Waterford were decommissioned by the Rebels runner-up in a surprising result in the Munster CLub senior hurling final at FBD Semple Stadium. The Cork boys were good for the win too with a very energetic and committed performance which saw them give best in no quarter throughout the game.
Loughmore Munster Football Final Bound
Loughmore Castleiney prepare for the Munster senior football final next weekend as do Aherlow in the next grade – Dr Crokes and Austin Stacks await them in what will be stern tests of both Tipp champs. Good luck to them.