High powered GAA delegation meet local reps to highlight economic benefit of Semple Stadium

Upgrading of iconic venue also discussed

Thurles is regularly the centre of the GAA world during the height of the summer but last week there was an equally important gathering of Gaelic games figures in the town, just a puck of a ball away from FBD Semple Stadium.

The Tipperary Strategic Policy Committee on Economic Development and Enterprise invited a delegation from the GAA to attend its February meeting to address members on the economic value of the GAA to Ireland and specifically the value of the Munster Hurling Final to Thurles.

The results were startling as the GAA delegation set out how the overall value of Munster Hurling Final is worth to €3.2m to Thurles and €4.5m to the county of Tipperary.

The figures were compiled as part of a special case study for the overall report, ‘The Economic and Social Value of the Gaelic Games on the Island of Ireland,’ commissioned by the GAA and conducted by Sheffield Hallam University. This report shows that the total economic activity attributable to Gaelic games stands at €1.6bn annually.

Setting out the premise for the work were Dr Peter Horgan, GAA Strategy & Insights Manager, and Cian Murphy, GAA Communications Manager.

While there has always been anecdotal evidence of the value of the Munster Hurling Final this had never been quantified statistically and so the GAA set about putting firm stats and figures on this.

Engaging the services of Sheffield Hallam University, who are internationally regarded as the world leaders in this type of work, the GAA put a team in place to interview 1,100 fans and 89 businesses at the 2024 Munster final between Limerick and Clare, which was attended by 45,148 spectators.

The results backed up what everyone believed but were even more significant than people had thought. In total there was a direct spend of €2.8m in the town of Thurles on the day with a €3.3m spend in the wider county of Tipperary.

When indirect inducements, such as the purchasing of additional stock by businesses are added, the total economic impact rises to €3.2m for Thurles and €4.5m for the county of Tipperary.

74% of businesses in Thurles reported an increase in spending on the day of the Munster final. Examining that figure further a total of 76% of local bars reported an increase in trade, with 70% of cafes, 64% of restaurants and 61% of convenience stores all reporting increases. 100% of fast-food outlets recorded an increase of business on the day.

The message to the local representatives was that this was positive proof that any and all assistance that is given to the GAA nationally and locally in Tipperary has a measurable impact and social value, with the estimated return to society for every €1 invested into the GAA the return is at least €2.30.

Dr Horgan explained to SPC members that in the process of examining the economic value of the GAA to life in Ireland they took two case studies as part of the research with the Munster Hurling Final and Ulster Football Final selected as the major events to examine.

He stressed that it was important to show to fans and the wider Tipperary community how much their contribution is worth to the economy by attending a GAA game.

Addressing SPC members the GAA’s head of Communications, Cian Murphy, stressed that it was important they have in their possession the ‘hard facts’ of what the Munster final was worth to Tipperary.

“What we learned from our work is the huge importance of the Munster final to the people of Thurles and Tipperary. Some businesses told us how this game was worth three months business in one day,” he said.

Mr Murphy, who also acts as the Cultural Historian for the GAA, explained to members how the first ever inter-county match took place between North Tipperary and South Galway in February 1886, won by Tipp, and this was the precursor to what we know as the modern-day championships.

He stressed to the Local Authority how much more could be done in the sphere of sports tourism and educational tours to the town, which is the home of the GAA.

Members of the SPC, which was chaired by Leas Cathaoirleach Cllr Declan Burgess, praised the GAA for their research work and their contribution to life in Thurles. Cllr Burgess also proposed that the GAA should have a seat on the SPC.

Many members spoke of the social and economic value derived from volunteers and the fact that Semple Stadium acted as an economic engine in the heart of Thurles.

Semple Stadium Renovation

Tipperary GAA CEO Murtagh Brennan, who was also in attendance, was asked by many members about investment plans for the stadium.

He acknowledged that the stadium needed upgrades but also pointed out that whilst the Munster final generates over €4m in economic activity for the local economy, the Tipperary GAA County Board does not benefit from that spend.

He stressed the need for a closer working relationship so that the importance of Semple Stadium is recognised by all.

Director of Services for Economic Development and Enterprise, Damien Ginty, praised the GAA for being ahead of the curve with their research and expressed his wish for a closer collaboration between Tipperary County Council and the GAA in order that the full potential of Semple Stadium could be maximised for Thurles.

Following the meeting with the SPC, the GAA team met with local TDs Alan Kelly and Ryan O’Meara in the GAA Museum in Lar na bPairce. GAA President Jarlath Burns also attended as the case was made to the Oireachtas members on the economic value of Gaelic games to Thurles and the country in general.