Rovers debt under control
Rovers' debt now 'under control'
By Michael Moran
AFTER years of financial struggle Sligo Rovers are well on the way to eleminating the club's debt, with the situation described as "under control" at Monday night's Annual General Meeting.
Figures released by Treasurer, Mr. Fergal Keaveney, revealed that Rovers made a profit of €53,371 for the year ended in November last, while the accummulated deficit dropped from €215,353 in 2004 to a total of €161,982.
"It was a satisfactory year and while there is a debt, it is well under control and we are well on the way to eleminating it," Mr. Keaveney told members of the Sligo Football and Sport Development Society Limited at the Radisson SAS Hotel on Monday night.
Turnover for period was €528,382 compared to €375,359, with gate receipts and season tickets in Rovers First Division championship winning season representing forty-three per cent of income, as opposed to twenty-one per cent for the year ending in November, 2004.
Meanwhile, according to officials, Rovers are the only club in the country with a tax clearance certificate at present.
They will appoint a Commercial Manager in March and are to embark on a number of fundraisers, including a 'Push for the Premiership' draw.
"For the first time in years this club has a positive balance sheet and that is the way we aim to continue. We had a ten per cent return on our turnover and we are making significant inroads on our debt," said the Treasurer.
It also emerged at the A.G.M. that the Dublin Supporters Club will be revived, with a campaign also under way to re-establish the 'Super Reds' for children.
An election of members to the Management Committee saw eleven nominees for eight positions. Dermot Brannigan, Jack Carney, Oliver Davey, Loman Gallagher, Noel McCloat, David McLoughlin, Michael Melly and outgoing Chairman, Michael Toolin were selected, with Mr. Toolan re-elected at the first meeting of the new incoming Management Committee.
Mary McGowan was returned as Secretary, Fergal Keaveney as Treasurer and Dermot Brannigan as Public Relations Officer.
In his address, the Chairman said the club was "at a crossroads" and called on members and supporters to help with fundraising and various other voluntary tasks.
"Let no one be mistaken as to our intention. We will embark on the league campaign in the Premier Division, not just to survive, but to reclaim our rightful place as one of the strongest teams in the country," he added.
Elsewhere, many tributes were paid to the late Packie McGowan, with manager, Sean Connor, pledging that he and the playing staff would dedicate the coming season to his memory.
There might be a few other
clubs with a tax clearance certificate. But Sligo's is probably the biggest ;)
