Waterford GAA’s County Board has reversed a decision it reached last Monday which would have seen a levy of €5 imposed on all tickets for inter-county games purchased locally.
At that meeting on Monday last, following a lengthy debate, the controversial levy was pushed through following a 20-18 vote in favour of the proposal.
Several delegates on the night spoke of the ensuing public backlash that would greet the decision, and such prophecy was proven after the news was relayed by Waterford’s media, including The Munster Express.
Just 24 hours after we reported on the story, it emerged that the County Board had rescinded its initial decision, and in its place establish a new county-wide draw. This draw will see all clubs in the county issued with approximately 50 tickets, each priced €5, with the first prize a cash sum in the region of €2,000.
County Secretary Tim O’Keeffe also confirmed a novelty second prize which would see the holder of a ticket accompanied with a friend travel to Thurles for the Munster Final on the Deise team bus.
The Clashmore man added that further prizes, including All-Ireland hurling and football final tickets plus overnight accommodation in Dublin, would also be awarded.
At the meeting, County Treasurer Michael Hogan provided an up-to-date run down on the Board’s financial affairs on the cost of running the board in the current year which runs from November 1st to October 31st.
The Old Parish club man told delegates that over €730,000 was spent on preparing teams in 2009 and up to the same point last year, while a further €100,000 has been spent on teams this year.
Delegates were told that Waterford was not “on a level playing field” when it comes to fixtures in Munster as Limerick, Cork, Kerry and Tipperary all have grounds which far exceed which Fraher Field or Walsh Park.
As a result, Waterford County Board was losing out on both increased gate receipts and rent.