Sunday Business Post, Money & Markets: April 1st, 2007
Gaelic Telecom a good call for clubs

Gaelic Telecom has raised €1.01 million for GAA Clubs around Ireland in the first of two funding rounds planned for this year. Gaelic Telecom general manager Gerry O'Connell said the GAA clubs allocated funding as part of the scheme would receive the money at their next county board meeting.

"Twice a year, Gaelic Telecom issues much needed funds to GAA clubs and Cumann na mBunscol primary schools," said O'Connell. "In 2006, funds raised by Gaelic Telecom users grew by 35 per cent, from €430,000 for the first half of the year to €580,000 for the second half."

Gaelic Telecom is the official telecoms partner to the GAA. When a GAA member or supporter signs up to Gaelic Telecom, 15 per cent of the cost of every call they make goes to a GAA club or school nominated by them. Payments are made directly to the clubs once every six months.

"Gaelic Telecom, with its members and supporters, has contributed more than €15 million to the GAA grassroots with over €1 million of this achieved in 2006," said O'Connell. "This simple venture is an outstanding way to generate funds for these communities and, at the same time, reduce monthly phone bills, whether it be their business or home telephone charges."

Established in 2004, Gaelic Telecom employs more than 220 people at offices in Dublin and Armagh. It has a turnover of €20 million.