Tyrone GAA County Board defends funding after claim that cuts are hitting All-Ireland hopes

An unnamed Tyrone footballer has claimed an “ongoing battle” with the county’s GAA board over funding is hurting the team’s All-Ireland chances.

A recent Irish Independent survey listed Tyrone as only being 25th in terms of spending on senior inter-county football teams in 2016.

The county’s funding last year was reported to be £17,800 down on the 2015 figure.

Tyrone spent £408,000 on the team in 2016 with the highest spenders Mayo’s figure said to be almost £1.4m.

Chairwoman Roisin Jordan said: “Within Tyrone GAA we avail of regular meetings between Executive officers, team management, and players liaison officers.

“It is at such meetings that we discuss a range of issues involving games, administration and finances.

“I welcome such a forum to allow for an exchange of views, so that each can explain and understand any constraints which may apply.

“In terms of finance, Tyrone are highly fortunate to have generous backers in the form of corporate sponsors and Club Tyrone. It is incumbent upon Tyrone GAA to ensure their investment is properly applied to GAA purposes. Any major decisions involving funding, or curbing expenditure, will ultimately be decisions for Tyrone County Committee and not individuals, nor private emails exchanged between individuals.”