Cavan Echo, Page 30, 10-Oct-2008
Cavan Fans raise €12k for local clubs and schools

GAA fans in Cavan are responsible for raising €12,213 for grassroots GAA in the county between January and June of this year Cavan earned 7% of the total Ulster payout which grew by 17% over the same period in 2007. Over the past four years, the GAA and Cavan fans have earned a total of €102,632 for the local Association Frank McGuinness, Runai of Ramor United was delighted with the news. “With 15 teams altogether in Ramor United and a major development in progress including a brand new Astro pitch, this money will be put to good use. We’d like to thank all our members who supported us this way and encourage others to do likewise. “It is only due to the support and loyalty of the members of the Cavan Association and the GAA itself, whose commitment to this project is invaluable, that we have been able to raise such a large sum,” says Ciaran Doyle, General Manager, Gaelic Telecom.

“Working with the fans and the Association, we, as the official telecoms partner to the GAA, are incredibly proud of the funds raised so far and hope they have made a real difference to clubs and schools in the county.”
Nationally, the GAA and its exceptionally loyal and supportive fans have raised €3.4m for GAA clubs and schools over the past four years! The innovative but simple scheme sees 15% of call costs being donated back to customers’ preferred club or school, while at the same time saving them money on their home phone and Broadband bills.
All 32 County Boards support the scheme, which sees 2,500 Clubs around the country receive cheques from Gaelic Telecom twice a year. Nickey Brennan, president of the GAA was grateful for the scheme.
“On behalf of all our members, I would once again like to thank Gaelic Telecom and its customers for their ongoing support of GAA Clubs and Schools nationwide.

This significant continuous investment at grassroots level is vital to the organisation and I would urge all GAA members to consider signing up to this initiative and helping us to maximise this great funding opportunity.” Between January and June of this year, a total of €520,000 was raised by Gaelic Telecom customers. All Provinces showed great growth and while Cork, Dublin and Tyrone were the highest earners nationally, Armagh, Derry and Fermanagh showed the highest growth on the same period in 2007.

The total raised by the 6 Northern Counties during the same period was €110,143. And they are now earning over 62% of the total Ulster payout. Ciaran Doyle pointed out that it was the grass roots who both made the scheme possible and benefitted from the rewards. “Remember, behind each payment to a Club or School, there is a list of ordinary members and supporters who have made this cheque possible by joining Gaelic Telecom. I encourage other Cavan GAA fans to join with us in generating even more funds for grassroots GAA locally" said Mr. Doyle.