Mayo GAA fans told to watch out for fundraising scam

Individuals using success of teams to mislead loyal followers, says county board

Mayo GAA: “Supporters should be aware that the only funds raised that go towards our team training funds are those raised under our Cáirde Mhaigheo fundraising umbrella.” Photograph: Inpho/James Crombie.
Mayo GAA: “Supporters should be aware that the only funds raised that go towards our team training funds are those raised under our Cáirde Mhaigheo fundraising umbrella.” Photograph: Inpho/James Crombie.

Mayo GAA supporters have been warned to be on the look-out for fraudulent fundraising activity after a number of incidents in recent days where businesses or individuals were asked for money.

The Mayo GAA county board alleged certain organisations or individuals were using the success of Mayo teams this season to try to obtain funds fraudulently.

The organisations were purporting to be raising money on behalf of the county board, which had given them no such authorisation or recognition.

Spokesman Paul Cunnane said similar activity had happened in 2012 and 2013 and that the organisations were potentially targeting the large number of Mayo supporters in London and New York, as well as at home.

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They were seeking money either online or via bank transfers. Businesses or individuals known to have supported the teams, or who had taken sponsorship or advertising in the past were being targeted, Mr Cunnane indicated.

“These organisations are using the success of our teams to mislead our very loyal supporters into contributing financially claiming that their funds will go towards the team training funds,” Mr Cunnane said.

"Supporters should be aware that the only funds raised that go towards our team training funds are those raised under our Cáirde Mhaigheo fundraising umbrella and only authorised by the executive of Mayo County Board. "

The board urged anyone who was unsure whether a fundraising activity was legitimately going towards the team training fund to contact its office on 094-9250487 or any officer of the executive.

Mayo will play Tipperary in an All-Ireland football semi-final on Sunday.