Today’s guest on the Sport for Business Daily is Liam Moffatt, Chair of Mayo GAA. Our conversation ranges from the state of Mayo GAA on the ground across the county, the challenges faced during Covid-19, the new approach being undertaken to key commercial and fundraising revenue streams and more.

It is a great insight into the ways in which the GAA runs itself by way of autonomous units in every corner of the country and beyond.

“It’s been a very challenging year for our clubs and our county teams, as well as everywhere else here and around the world.”

“Our county teams have performed strongly with our hurlers getting to the Nicky Rackard Cup Final and our footballers still in contention in the Senior Football Championship. Covid intervened with our Minor footballers.”

“It’s been tough off the field like it has for all field sports. When your revenue model is based on gate receipts and they disappear it is, of course, going to be difficult.”

“But we’ve dealt with the challenge, we’ve adapted to it and as of last week after our County Board meeting, we got a mandate to come up with a number of fundraising proposals for 2021.”

“We are now looking at seven commercial projects – four in the fundraising space and three in the commercial. We are hopeful that these will go well and help in supporting Mayo GAA, its clubs and its teams.”

“On the commercial side we are looking at three particular projects. We have a longstanding relationship with Elverys and we are very grateful for the partnership we have with them. The back of the jersey and the naming rights to McHale Park are the two immediate offerings that we are bringing to the market.”

“We have outsourced the process of seeking sponsorship to Teneo.”

“Then later in 2021, we will be seeking sponsorship for our streaming services. Mayo GAA TV started with very humble beginnings with a group of really committed individuals and it has grown significantly.”

“We feel there is real potential in that once it gets the right partner and the right investment because it can deliver a really good service for our supporters not only at a club level but also to Mayo people on an international basis.”

Listen back to the rest of the interview as we cover the question of running a multi-million euro entity on an amateur basis with well-meaning volunteers, at some of the fundraising initiatives that could raise hundreds of thousands and deliver a better connection to fans, and more…

 

Sport for Business Partners