Wexford GAA has issued a statement of warning over the sale of a calendar claiming an affiliation with the County board.
An unnamed company is contacting businesses in Wexford, attempting to sell advertising space.
They claim that the proceeds will serve as a fundraiser for local schools and have done so without the organisation's permission.
Important statement for anybody who receives a call from a company claiming to be producing a Wexford GAA calendar as a fundraiser for schools - https://t.co/q36n831jrz
— Wexford GAA (@OfficialWexGAA) March 27, 2023
Wexford GAA released a statement on Monday and confirmed that the business in question is unofficial and acting without their permission.
It reads: "We wish to make it clear that we have no involvement in this project. The company is operating completely unofficially and without our permission, and none of the advertising receipts will be used for the promotion of Gaelic games in the county.
"A similar calendar/wall planner was produced last year, despite us asking the company involved not to use images of Wexford GAA, and not to claim they were offering potential advertisers “an opportunity to show support for Wexford GAA”. Every school in the county was then contacted, to advise that the calendars should not be given out to children, and to confirm that we have no involvement in and gain no benefit from the operation.
Wexford GAA Chairman Michael Martin
"Unfortunately, it has come to our attention that this or another company is now making similar sales calls, and we urge people to be very conscious of the true situation.
Cathaoirleach of CLG Loch Garman, Micheal Martin, said: "While we are always very appreciative of the support shown to us by businesses and individuals alike, this is not an appropriate manner of doing so.
"I confirm that we have no involvement in this operation nor gain any benefit from it. In addition, in my experience, the fundraising potential offered to schools by such calendars/wall planners is questionable, to say the least."
Dust off that 80's gear and show your support for @OfficialWexGAA ?https://t.co/O0Ri173ILT#wexfordgaa | #lantern
— Beat 102 103 (@beat102103) March 8, 2023
There are several fundraising initiatives in place for Wexford GAA, with the hugely popular 'Back to the 80’s Party' taking place on Saturday, April 8th in Clayton Whites Hotel
Every year, the Wexford Senior Hurling team undertake various fundraising event to contribute to the high costs of training.
The Back to the 80’s Party will consist of a night of live entertainment from Spring Break, Europe’s Premier Goodtime Supergroup, followed by an 80s DJ and plenty of dancing.
Tickets for the Back to the 80’s Party are only €25 each, with the event restricted to strictly those over 18’s.
Speaking to Beat Sport, a spokesperson for Wexford GAA said: "We are pleased our statement has received so much attention following publication on social media and in the local press, so hopefully all who may have been targeted will now be aware of the true situation."
