Laois county board chairman Peter O’Neill reckons some counties may struggle to field teams next year over a loss in gate receipts.

Speaking on RTE Radio’s Drivetime programme yesterday evening, Mr O’Neill feels that the continued restriction to limit just 200 people to gather at matches throughout the country will have “very serious implications” on many counties, including his own.

“What’s happening at the moment with no crowds has very serious implications for us as a county,” he said.

“The championship revenue from the club games is our main revenue — and that’s what funds our inter-county teams — from minor up to senior in hurling and football.

“We would have taken €400,000 per annum from our gates. At this rate, it does look as if we’ll be down 80-85%. Because of Covid, we’ve been have unable to have any fundraisers, which is probably another €100,000.”

He added: “All counties that I’m aware of, except for probably the top four or five, would be in serious jeopardy and they would all be looking at deficits of up to €400,000.”

Laois chairman Peter O'Neill told @drivetimerte that he believes some counties might struggle to field teams next year as the loss of gate receipts bites. #GAA pic.twitter.com/L1W2nLNNAL

— RTÉ GAA (@RTEgaa) August 5, 2020

Tweet

Most Read Stories