THE GAA, Irish Rugby and soccer will receive a combined €57m from the Irish Government to assist the various sports bodies to absorb the financial hit caused by the global pandemic.
The GAA will bank a further €20m in COVID-related funding, the Football Association of Ireland €19m and the IRFU €18m, it was announced yesterday.
In 2020, the GAA received €31m in government funding as its revenue streams were cut off, particularly gate receipts.
In a statement the GAA President and Director-General Larry McCarth and Tomy Ryan thanked the government and ministers Catherine Martin and Jack Chambers.
They said: “This support is very welcome and will help us plan for 2022 after what has been a challenging 18 months. We would also like to thank Sport Ireland for their role in the process and support over the duration of the pandemic.
“Additionally, the supports made available to sporting clubs around the country will assist those promoting sport at grassroots level.”
FAI CEO Jonathan Hill said: “The commitment of Government to aid Irish football during the COVID-19 pandemic, both last year and now in 2021, has been vital to sustaining and growing the game at all levels across the country."
The Irish Government has committed a total of €73.6m to sport across the island.
