Evening Echo: May 24th, 2007
Telecom deal for GAA clubs

Joe Deane and his famous yellow helmet impressed an Evening Echo newspaper seller recently while he promoted the latest Gaelic Telecom initiative. Deane is trying to encourage all rebels to get involved with Gaelic Telecom and support their local GAA club. While his attention turns to Semple Stadium on Sunday and the clash with Clare, Joe Deane called upon all Cork GAA supporters to get behind this opportunity. "This is such an easy way to save money yourself and make money for your club. I see it first hand in my own club in Killeagh and in so many other clubs in Cork. I would seriously urge everyone in Cork using at home today to simply sign up to Gaelic Telecom." Cork County Board Chairman Mick Dolan added his support: "We have seen money go back to so many of our clubs in Cork and we have seen the amounts increase greatly over the past 12 months. Regular fundraising is part of our lives in the GAA and this is a very good way to support your local club and get the benefit at home or in business yourselves."

Over 150 clubs in Cork today are receiving funds directly from Gaelic Telecom. Clubs like Aghada, Bride Rovers, Carraigline, Cobh, Killeagh and many more have all benefited as a result of members and supporters nominating them for this great fundraising initiative.

In 2006 almost €70,000 was raised for Cork GAA clubs and Gaelic Telecom want to see more Cork clubs benefiting in 2007; this is what this campaign is all about. Liam Barry, chairman of the Bride Rovers club, explained how the initiative benefited them."We are delighted with the money we receive from Gaelic Telecom, it goes towards the day to day running of our clubs. We are very grateful to all the people who signed over. Last year we received just under €2,000 and with this campaign we expect this amount to be even bigger in 2007."

Maura Coyne of Gaelic Telecom said: "Whether at home or at work changing your telephone provider is easy but with Gaelic Telecom not only do we guarantee savings and great service but we also put money back into the local GAA clubs and schools, something that puts Gaelic Telecom tight at the heart of the community. As a lifelong Rebel supporter myself the best part of my job is giving out the money. I am looking forward to this campaign and giving out bigger cheques to more clubs in 2007 and beyond."

GAA President Nickey Brennan gave the Gaelic Telecom Campaign in Cork his full support on behalf of the Association. "By joining Gaelic Telecom, every home and business in Cork can reduce monthly telephone bills whilst supporting their chosen club, county and Cumann na mBunscol National School with every call they make. I believe that this is a tremendous opportunity for GAA clubs and schools in Cork to generate perpetual revenue, risk free and at no extra cost to members and supporters."

Gaelic Telecom is the official Telecom's partner to the GAA. The GAA's national conference in Killarney, April 2004 fully endorsed and unanimously approved the partnership between the GAA and Gaelic Telecom.

Both provincial and county boards claim to fully support Gaelic Telecom and truly value the 'excellent fundraising' opportunity that Gaelic Telecom presents to Cork GAA. They urge every club member and supporter to get behind this great fundraising initiative. If a member or supporter joins Gaelic Telecom for the home phone, 15% of every all they make goes directly back to their nominated GAA Club or school.

If that member or supporter has a business 7.5% of their business call value will go back. Payments are made directly to the clubs once every six months. Nationally, Gaelic Telecom has already given back over €1.5m to GAA clubs across the 32 counties.