Wicklow GAA unveil corporate package and pitch signage plan to try bring in extra revenue

Along with cost cutting and the rise in cost of affiliations for clubs, this plan is hoped to bring in substantial funds to help halt the financial slide that unfolded over 2023.

“At the start of the year we highlighted three areas where we could try to arrest the financial performance from last year,” said the Éire Óg Greystones man. “One was club affiliations, and, first off, I’d like to thank the clubs, each and every one of them. Each club has engaged in one way or another. While I know the affiliation increase was quite substantial, it’s heartening to see the clubs getting behind that and the funds are coming in.

“The second area was around the reduction of costs, and since the start of the year we are on track to reduce costs by between €60,000 and €80,000 over the entire year.

“And the third area was increased revenue that we have to put in place. And we’ve been working on that for the last two months and we will be launching it on social media in the coming days once we send it out to the clubs.

“The first one revolves around pitch signage here in Aughrim. We’ll be sending out a brochure, that we would ask if clubs could also promote, where for three years, anyone, any company, can rent signage here (3000mm x 900mm), including the cost of the sign, for one year for €1,800 and for three years for €3,500.

“Secondary to that, we’re also going to introduce a corporate sponsorship package at gold, silver and bronze tiers. The gold package is aimed at corporates around the county. We have a list of companies that we will be approaching. The cost of the gold package will be €10,000, and it will incorporate signage at Echelon Park and Ballinakill. There will be ticket access, match programme advertising, mechandising, media and visual platforms will engage with their own brands and there will also be partner events and sponsorship days as well.

“The silver package will be priced at €7,500 and the bronze at €5,000. We’ve already had two confirmed gold packages sold.

“I would ask – and I know it’s difficult for clubs who are trying to raise money as well – but there are companies out there who have never been approached by either club or by Wicklow GAA to try and get behind the county. We would ask that, there may be potential sponsors in each club where currently they are sponsoring something but they may be willing to engage in discussions with us for either gold, silver and bronze.

“As I said, that’s going to be going out to the clubs in the next few days. I’d advise you to have a look at it, and I’d welcome any feedback on it,” he added.

Wicklow GAA Chairman Damien Byrne implored all clubs in the county to get behind this plan and to inform the county board of potential companies who may wish to get involved in supporting the county.

“A lot of work has gone into this in the last two months,” said Byrne. “We feel there are a lot of businesses in this county that were probably never asked by club nor county (to get involved).

“This is an opportunity now. Our teams are going well. We’re on the rise. There’s no question about it. We can see the good work being done by coaches and development squads, but it’s going to take another push to get over the line.

“We were unfortunate against Kildare. We could have been in Croke Park taking on Louth. We’re not too far from it. The Louth U20s are in a Leinster final, their Senior team are in a Leinster final, and we’re not too far behind.

“We just need that bit of a push, and we need everybody on the ship with us. We’re asking every club to try to drive this with us. I spoke to management before the meeting. If ye feel that you know a company or know someone in that company who can help, by all means come and talk to us and we will go meet with them.

“We need to sell this. This is our product, and we need to sell it. I’m asking each and every club to get behind this,” he added.