Euromillions promotion to boost Co Board finances
Meath GAA Co Board last week launched a major Euromillions-syndicate fundraiser to offset the shortfall in finances due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Funds generated from the promotion will go towards the costs of running club competitions and inter-county teams.
Provided the maximum membership is achieved (400 x €500 - €200,000) Meath GAA Co Board could expect to clear an amount of approximately €150,000 from the initiative with an estimated €50,000 in costs.
"Covid-19 has had a major effect on all aspects of life since March 2020, especially fundraising for all types of organisations including Meath GAA," commented Co Board assistant-treasurer Gene Smith.
"We have lost a number of annual fundraising events such as the Fairyhouse Race Day and the Knightsbrook Golf Classic in 2020, and most likely 2021 as well.
"The syndicate will participate in the Euromillions and Euromillions Plus draws which have many categories of winners in addition to a jackpot that varies between €15 million and €200 million.
"Meath GAA Co Board will purchase 100 lines in each Euromillions draw including Plus each Tuesday and Friday for 52 weeks from July this year.
"The numbers will be selected in advance by Quick Pick and will remain the same for the 52-week duration of the promotion.
"They will be circulated to each member of the syndicate along with a certificate of membership.
"All winnings will be shared equally among members at the end of every quarter - September 2021, December 2021, March 2022 and June 2022 when the promotion will conclude.
"The subscription to join the Euromillions draw is €500 and members must be 18 or older and membership is limited to a maximum of 400.
"In the event of a jackpot win, 10 per cent of the jackpot will be retained exclusively for the Páirc Tailteann Development Fund," he added.
CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS
Meath GAA Co Board Fixtures secretary Damien Griffin told delegates at last week's digital format Co Board meeting that the 2023 IFC would have to comprise 16 teams.
"Our main priority at present is to have a championship and get last years hurling finals played," he said.
"Following a motion passed at congress we need to bring down the number of intermediate teams to 16 by the end of 2022.
"We have to look at the different options to relegate four teams in that time frame," he added.
Griffin also told delegates that decisions had been made regarding all adult transfers while exemptions and transfers for under-age players would be finalised over the next number of weeks.
INTER-COUNTY
All dates are provisional.
Games may be played on a Saturday, Sunday or a Bank Holiday Monday where applicable.
Dates and venues for those games have to be finalised, but will be played between Sunday 9th May and Sunday 13th June.
OPPOSITION
NHL Div 2A - Meath will play Wicklow, Offaly, Kerry, Carlow and Down.
NFL Div 2 North - Meath will play Mayo, Westmeath and Down.
FIXTURE SCHEDULE
Sunday 9th May - first round NHL Div 2A.
Sunday 16th May - second round NHL Div 2A; first round NFL Div 2N.
Sunday 23rd May - third round NHL Div 2A; second round NFL Div 2N.
Sunday 30th May - third round NFL Div 2N.
Sunday 6th June - fourth round NHL Div 2A.
Sunday 13th June - fifth round NHL Div 2A; NFL Div 2 play-offs.
Sunday 20th June - NFL finals.
Sunday 27th June - Leinster SFC; Joe McDonagh Cup.
Sunday 4th July - Leinster SFC; Joe McDonagh Cup.
Sunday 11th July - Leinster SFC; Joe McDonagh Cup.
Saturday 17th July - Joe McDonagh Cup final.
Saturday 31st July - Leinster SFC final.
Sunday 15th August - All-Ireland SFC semi-finals.
Sunday 29th August - All-Ireland SFC final.