www.GAA.ie: April 5th, 2006
Clubs get EUR250,000 boost

Gaelic Telecom has announced that almost EUR250,000 is being paid out directly to clubs and county boards the length and breadth of the 32 Counties. This payout has increased by over EUR100,000 from the last payment just 6 months ago.

The funds were raised by members and supporters of the GAA all over the Country who switched their phone service to Gaelic Telecom, the Official Telecoms Partner of the GAA.

By switching their phone to Gaelic Telecom, the club members saved themselves money on line rental and call charges, but more importantly, 15 per cent of the value of their call charges are rebated to their nominated club and/or County. The end result is that customers save money and generate funds for their club by doing nothing more than changing their phone provider. What was also important was that those members that were receiving free line rental continued to do so with Gaelic Telecom.

In their second payout, this partnership between the GAA and Gaelic Telecom has proven hugely successful, demonstrating that this simple and very important initiative works for all participating clubs.

Some clubs will be receiving up to EUR5,000, and the current run rate clearly demonstrates that over EUR500,000 will be going back directly to the Clubs and County Boards before the end of this year.

"We are delighted with this round of payments and the success of this important fund raising initiative," said Gaelic Telecom's Gerry O'Connell. "Every Club in the GAA, regardless of its size, can participate, and the comfort for the club executive is that Gaelic Telecom will do all of the work. The income generated will continue to go back to the Clubs and County Boards year after year, for as long as their members use the service. This is an exciting time for Gaelic Telecom and all the participating clubs in that the work that we have done to date, is paying dividends at a grass roots level."

GAA President Sean Kelly added that he is delighted with the project and issued his thanks to supporters that have signed up.

"We are delighted with the progress and success of this fundraising initiative and are grateful to all members and supporters who have joined Gaelic Telecom, which is raising significant money for the grass roots of the Association," said Mr Kelly.