New research undertaken by the three GAA associations which sets the true value of the Ulster final to Clones and County Monaghan at over €2m could be used to strengthen the case to retain the provincial final in the Farney County. According to the research commissioned by the GAA, LGFA and Camogie Association, the Ulster football final is worth €1.6m to the town of Clones and €2.1m to County Monaghan overall.
The study was independently carried out by Sheffield Hallam Sports Industry Research Group, Manchester Metropolitan University and the University of Ulster. It found GAA activity across Ireland is worth €2.87bn to Irish society. It measured the value of volunteerism, subjective health and wellbeing as well as consumer spending. Researchers analysed the accounts of 513 clubs and also carried out field days to the provincial football final in Clones and the Munster hurling final in Thurles.
John Connolly from Clones sits on the Monaghan County Board Executive and he says the results of the survey will be used to strengthen the argument for the Ulster Final to remain in Clones. There are other reasons too, Mr Connolly said:
