Survey shows Donegal as the cheapest county in the Republic of Ireland to play GAA

A recent cross-border survey of GAA clubs showed that Donegal is the cheapest Republic of Ireland county for both children and adults to play Gaelic Games, costing between €10 and €30, and €30 to €75, respectively.   

A recent survey conducted by the Irish Independent asked more than 250 clubs, north and south of the Border to state their membership price, to ascertain how annual membership fees compare between counties. 

The survey highlighted that it is cheaper on average to play GAA in Northern Ireland than in the Republic, with Fermanagh being the cheapest of all 32 counties to play GAA in, with prices for juveniles ranging on average between €5 to €23, and €23 to €35 for adults. 

While Donegal is the cheapest county in the Republic, in comparison to the six counties in the North, only Armagh and Down have a more expensive starting fee for adults.  

Overall, it is cheapest to play as an adult in the nine counties of Ulster, where players can pay between €15 and €240 a year.  

Ulster GAA said the setting of membership fees “is a matter for the club alone” and is determined by an individual club’s executive committee and ratified at the club’s annual general meeting. 

As well as membership fees, clubs may have other sources of income such as sponsorship, fundraising initiatives, cairde schemes and grant income. 

Ulster GAA also stressed that all club income is reinvested back into club activities to aid the provision of sporting, cultural and well-being opportunities for all. 

Ulster GAA treasurer, Declan Woods, said earlier this year that 83 cent of every euro goes back out into clubs to “help fund developments such as infrastructure projects”.