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old yellar wrote:"The cost of running the Offaly senior hurling and football teams for the month of January reached a staggering €63,467.

Delegates were left shocked at the March meeting of the Offaly County Board when treasurer Andy Gallagher read out the figures and it raised a great debate.

Gallagher admitted that a number of cuts would have to be made with travelling the biggest expenditure in both codes, while chairman Pat Teehan agreed that there needed to be savings made.

A breakdown of the expenses show that the senior hurlers outgoings were: Players Travel Expenses: €9,434. Meals €8,552. Manager & Admin €4,295. Physio €2,425. Trainers & Coaches €6,225. Gyms €2,997. Gear Van €560.

Senior football: Players travel €8,600; Meals €5,160; Manager & Admin €6,976; Physio €3,260; Trainers & Coaches €2,410; Gym €1,913; Gear Van €560. " Hoganstand

What do you think of the figures?

Lads need to realise that January is a VERY long month when it comes to expenses. In fact it could be twice as long as most other months, so when the february list is published expect to see a big drop.

At the eame time, I like many others feel that "team administration" is far too expensive.

The proposal for car pooling won't happen either as the players won't stand for it. There are a good few lads who would rely on the few bob they get out of mileage and if it was taken away from them they wouldn't be too happy

In fairness I think they droveto Carlow for shield final game which would inflate travel costs on the hurling side.

Meant in their own cars, not as opposed to flying!

Them board delegates meetings are typical of your local agm meeting. There is always people having a go at somebody. Realistically, Offaly is bang on in the centre of the country and players are travelling from galway, dublin, limerick and other parts so the travelling expenses are going to be what they are. I think pat teehan and the board would have scrutinised every journey made by players and wheather they were car pooling or not before releasing these figures. Remember that they are meeting 4 times a week at the moment.
Can anybody tell me if these catering contracts are being put out to tender? Surely there is a little more competition out there.
The county board will need to be careful how they cut costs because players have enough on their plate without accusing them of swindling the county of funds.
Can someone also give a bit of insight into the "trainers" that are there? I think there is alot of overlap between the management and trainers, and I think the budgetary figures are getting a little massaging there somewhere.
Also, Whats the current stance with OCP? how are these repayments going?