Despite the continued presence of the pandemic and the problems associated with it for the Association and the general public, Meath GAA statement of accounts show a healthy profit in income over expenditure.

The accounts show a surplus of €542,461 for the period November 1st 2020 to September 30th 2021 (11 months). This compares to a surplus of €404,383 for 2020 over a 12 month period and a deficit of €1,475 in 2019.

Treasurer Jim Mullery told delegates at last night's convention that the county was in a strong cash position with a low level of debt.

Mullery highlighted two main reasons for the sound financial footing, an increase in gate receipts and a contribution from Central Council.

Total income was €1,674,051 up considerably from the €1,446,402 of the previous year. Expenditure also rose but not by nearly as much, €1,131,590 compared to €1,042,019 in 2020. It means that the county coffers can plan ahead with plenty of optimism.

Gate receipts which doesn't include this year's football or hurling championship finals came to €306,602 compared to €229,907 in 2020.

With Meath senior footballers operating back in Division Two National League share dropped considerably to €37,500 from €77,854 the previous year when the county played in Division One.

Commercial income dropped slightly to €393,985 from €415,962 the previous year. Commercial income includes sponsorship of county teams which was €262,000, the same as 2020. Contributions to county team expenses was €61,235 an increase on the 2020 figure of €53,092. Income from advertising signs dropped sharply to €4,833 compared to €14,427 the previous year. Programme sales realised just €155 compared to €7963 in 2020 when county final programmes were included. Rent was also down, €24,750 compared to €37,980 in 2020.

Match day streaming proved a new and welcome income of €12,312 while the cost of the service was €5,975.

Despite the pandemic halting two of the major fundraisers, the annual Golf Classic and the Race Day at Fairyhouse, fundraising was up slightly to €56,951, from €54,845 the previous year. The Euro millions Syndicate draw offset the cancellation of the other fundraisers, bringing in €39,247. The Supporters Club raised €7,115 compared to €2,400 in 2020 while other fundraising events brought in €10,589 an increase of more than €8,000 on the previous year.

Other income, which includes club affiliations, league fees, fines and summer camps, came to €488,209, up from €412,545.

The Summer Camps were up considerably to €122,353, compared to €62,300 when they were hit by the pandemic in 2020. Fines totalled €4,650 down considerably from the €11,700 the previous year.

Income from Associated Bodies, such as Central and Provincial Council, as well as Government funding, realised €390,802, up from €255,280.

On the expenditure side the cost of staging games was up only slightly to €117,332. Team expenses rose to €584,482 compared to €499,457. The biggest rise in costs associated with team expenses was for medical and physiotherapy which came to €158,349 compared to €95,205 the previous year.

Travelling and catering expenses was up only slightly to €263,686 but sportsgear and equipment was up over €30,000 to €75,709. Strength and conditioning expenses were halved to €29,674.

Administration expenses also rose sharply to €217,650, an increase of €68,000. This was mainly due to contributions of €73,420 to Pairc Tailteann C.L.G.

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