The GAA have announced record revenues of €73.9m for 2019 - a 16% increase on 2018's €63.5m total.

A significant portion of the increase is a result of a growth in gate receipts which rose by 22% from €29.6m last year to €36.1m, based on a 12% increased in match day attendances coupled with an increase in ticket prices.

In all, gate receipts represent almost half (48%) of the the GAA's 2019 revenues at €36.1 million.

In his annual report, GAA director general Tom Ryan also furnishes further detail on the Páirc Úi Chaoimh project, stating he is confident the total cost of the stadium redevelopment will be €96m.

The long-term debt on the stadium will be is calculated to be "in the region of €20m", as it is also revealed that Cork county board received a €10m loan from Croke Park, on top of bank borrowings of €21.5m.

Average attendance for the All-Ireland series in football and hurling had been a combined 17,074 but increased to 19,106 in 2019 with the GAA acknowledging the knock-on "bonus" of a replay in the All-Ireland senior football final.

League revenues also grew by 10%, with a 20% increase in season ticket holders for league competitions.

In addition, the GAA have cited an "exceptionally strong performance" from the Croke Park Stadium company for a contribution of €10.5 million to total revenue, representing a 31% increase.

However, the GAA's report warns that the record revenue levels of 2019 are "unlikely to be repeated" for the 2020 financial year, citing the dearth of scheduled concerts at Croke Park and the non-budgeting of match replays.

They also point to a number of projects in the pipeline including a new GAA/GPA agreement with 2017-2019 funding agreements applying to 2020.

Other development projects cited include the acquisition of the 31.8 acre property of Cloniffe College adjacent to Croke Park, a deal which concluded after the year's end, with plans for two full-sized pitches, club house and dressing rooms and planned usage "similar to Abbotstown".

Addressing the Casement Park stadium project, the GAA highlights "positives signs" but also acknowledges that the proposed costs have "doubtless increased significantly" since its 2010/11 Northern Ireland Executive's budget approval date.

Investment in coaching and games development increased by 22% to €13.5 million with Sport Ireland's financial support making up 19% of the outlay.

€7.9 million was allocated by the GAA for club and county infrastructure projects in 2019 and €4 million in direct grants. They add that the €3.8 million increase in capital grants is a "direct result" of revenue growth.

But the GAA has warned that the preparation costs of inter-county teams is "simply unsustainable" after a 12% increase in 2019.