Analysis confirms significant economic impact and social value of Gaelic games
A comprehensive analysis of the economic impact of Gaelic games and a measurement of its Social Value and Social Return on Investment has produced a landmark report, the first of its kind in Irish sport.
This analysis of Gaelic games activity by international experts, including Professor Larissa Davies from the Institute of Sport at Manchester Met who led on the Social Value and Social Return element of the research, has found that the Social Value of Gaelic games is estimated to be worth at least €2.87 billion to Irish society.
The Social Return on Investment study shows that for every one euro invested in Gaelic games, the benefit returned to society is at least €2.30 and could be as much as €3.96.
The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), the Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA) and the Camogie Association commissioned Sheffield Hallam University’s Sport Industry Research Group to carry out the work, in partnership with Manchester Met and Ulster University.
Prof Davies, said: “It is clear from our research that the value of Gaelic Games extends far beyond direct economic impact. Our social value research demonstrates that they play a wider role in communities, improving the health and wellbeing of participants and volunteers, connecting people across generations and serving as vital expressions of Irish identity, community and belonging.”
The project is based, in part, on the analysis of national, provincial, county and more than 500 club accounts from across Gaelic games and establishes for the first time the economic impact of Gaelic games activity across the 32 counties, and the Social Value of the work of more than 1,600 clubs which are led by volunteers. It is also the first time in Irish sport that a report of this detail has looked at the totality of impact from economic to social value to specific major events.
Analysis of the social value of Gaelic games activity estimates that an input or spend to produce Gaelic games of €1.244 billion, resulted in outcomes valued to Irish life worth €2.87 billion.
- €31.06 million for Health,
- €556.48 million for Subjective Wellbeing,
- €1.224 billion for Social Capital, and
- €1.056 billion for the replacement cost of volunteering.
President of the GAA, Jarlath Burns said: “For the first time the Association has been able to secure facts and figures that confirm what we have always known – that Gaelic games activity makes an enormously positive impact on society through our involvement in communities, and that this in turn, benefits the economy all across the island.
“In a broad sense, it shows that investment in sport matters and that it is something beneficial. For the last 140 years the GAA has been making this contribution to Irish life and to economic activity. This landmark report will enable our Association to position ourselves so that we continue to make this positive impact through our work with clubs and communities.”
Brian Molloy, President of the Camogie Association, added: “We welcome the publication of this report which allows us to measure the value of the work done by volunteers in clubs and counties all across Ireland. The popularity and increased participation in camogie, hurling and football is there for all to see. Now, so too, is the positive impact of our games, not only in terms of mental and physical health, but in economic terms too.”
Mícheál Naghton, President of the LGFA, said: “This report shows that involvement in Gaelic games is important for the health and wellbeing of people and also illustrates that the work of our clubs and our Associations is important for the economic health of Ireland too. I look forward to seeing this analysis build a strong future for the continued growth and development of our games.”
