Since we launched the Saffron Gael back in 2017 we are pleased to say that our viewing figures have increased year by year and this weekend, with still more than two months to go we have broken our viewing records again.
Back in 2017 when the site published for the first time we recorded 724,728 views but remember the site was just launched in late May of that year.
The following year, 2018 we recorded 1,373,793 and in 2019 the figures were up again to 1, 638,841.
In 2020, despite Covid and massive restrictions on games and people allowed to attend games, we continued to publish and recorded 1, 617,956, down slightly from the year before but never the less massive figures given the circumstances.
On to 2021 and I’m pleased to sat figure were up again, this time we had 1, 919,010 views on the Saffron Gael as the popularity and increased publication of all things Gaelic Games and Gaelic Culture increased
Could we improve on that and perhaps break the 2 Million mark for the first time in 2022? Indeed we could and did. We had 2,190,135 views last year and as always, we hope we could increase those viewing figure in 2023.
The good news is we have topped the 2022 figure at the weekend and as write this article today the viewing figure currently stand at 2,199,500 and we still have nearly two weeks of October to go.
I believe we can reach 2.5 Million before the year is out and we at the Saffron Gael thank you the readers for you continued support.
The site, as you know is free to read at source and we want it to be read by as many Antrim Gaels as possible. That was the purpose of its launch to promote Gaelic games within the county!
Like all things in life nothing comes free and we have only been able to publish thanks to a dedicated bunch of reporters, photographers, contributors and P.R.O’s who have worked for little or no financial reward but, never the less there is a big financial cost to keep it going.
You, the readers have only been able to read the Saffron Gael thanks to a very generous group of sponsors and contributors and you will have seen their adverts on match reports and articles throughout the years.
In nearly all cases these sponsors are Antrim GAA followers like ourselves and we would appeal to you to support their businesses’ where ever possible.
Clubs have also played a big part in keeping the Saffron Gael afloat and quite a number of them make a sizeable contribution to the Saffron Gael every year. Some don’t however and we would appeal to you to make an annual contribution if possible.
Last weekend Bert Trowlen travelled the 3 hour journey to Donegal to cover the Naomh Muire v Glenavy LGFA Ladies Intermediate Championship game and we brought you coverage of St. Joseph’s victory and this weekend Elaine Kelly will be in Donaghmoyne as St. Ergnat’s meet the Ulster champions in the opening round of the Senior Championship.
We thank,Bert, Elaine and all our photographer, reporters and contributors as we continue to follow Antrim teams the width and breadth of Ireland.