The Galway County GAA Convention was held last night in the Loughrea Hotel, where a large crowd as outgoing Chairman Paul Bellew elected by 194 votes to 54 against Alan Mongey from Tuam Stars. There was also a contest for the position of Treasurer, with Tommy Kelly from Corofin elected to the role. The GAA has called an emergency meeting tonight in Croke Park of all county chairpersons, secretaries, and treasurers to discuss the ongoing audits being conducted by revenue in several counties, including Galway. The potential tax liabilities faced by County boards was a consistent theme at last night’s Galway GAA Convention, and due to the recently instigated risk review by the Revenue Commissioners, Galway GAA officers have not yet signed off on the end-of-year accounts.
Those accounts showed a surplus of €733,480 for 2024 despite spending a record €2.7m on county teams. Outgoing Treasurer Mike Burke from Kinvara spoke about the increase in team spending, both in Galway and nationally when he said: “In some commentary, you would almost think we are the poor relation when it comes to providing for our players and teams. The fact of the matter is, as a county, we spend the largest amount of money on our teams in the entire association. This is something that I am not happy about and I am absolutely certain the incoming county board will have to seriously address the issue or we will end up like the bad old days of the past in a financial mess. Every single item of expenditure has to be forensically examined as to whether it is worth it or not. Team training camps are a prime example. They are an enormous expense and despite what team managers and players say, I personally don’t think they are value for money. If they are, will somebody show me the proof?”
After the meeting, Chairman Paul Bellew spoke to our reporter John Mulligan...
John also spoke to the newly elected Treasurer Tommy Kelly...
Galway GAA officers for 2025:
Chairperson: Paul Bellew (Padraig Pearses)
Secretary: Michael McMahon (Clarinbridge)
Treasurer: Tommy Kelly (Corofin)
Vice Chairperson: Mary Judge (Caherlistrane)
Assistant Secretary: Marie Fahy (Killererin)
Assistant Treasurer: Mark Brennan (Turloughmore)
P.R.O.: Michelle Healy (Ahascragh Fohenagh)
Oifigeach Gaelige & Cultúr: Cormac O'Conaire (Na Piarsaigh)
Coaching Officer: Paddy O'Griofa (Micheal Breathnach)
Connacht Council Delegates: Seamus O'Grady (Monivea Abbey), Michael Larkin (Craughwell)
Central Council Delegate: Paul Bellew (Padraig Pearses)
