‘We are past pitch invasions’

The GAA have played down the possibility of a pitch invasion should there be a winner in next Sunday’s All-Ireland senior football final.

With demand for tickets at an unprecedented level and Mayo and Donegal not having won the Sam Maguire Cup in 61 and 20 years respectively, Dublin is expect to be hit with a carnival atmosphere next weekend.

A victory for either team would induce a major emotional outpouring but officials believe there is little chance of supporters encroaching the playing area.

“I wouldn’t be that concerned,” said stadium and commercial director Peter McKenna. “There were probably more Mayo people at the Dublin game than there will be at the final and the same is true of Donegal against Cork and next Sunday.

“We’d certainly be aware of it (the potential) and will have plans and procedures in place but I think we’re past it. I think people appreciate the razzmatazz of what happens now at the cup presentation.”

The last pitch invasion at Croke Park came in the 2009 All-Ireland SFC final between Kerry and Cork.

A year later, Croke Park erected a transparent screen in front of Hill 16 to dissuade supporters from entering the field.

Director of games administration and player welfare Feargal McGill said Dublin’s late, dramatic All-Ireland final victory over Kerry last year was a considerable examination of their safety procedures.

“Dublin won last year and obviously that was a huge test of where we were at with that.

“I think people realise the safety issues that are there and they’re happy to co-operate.

“I think people have also seen the last few presentations are the fairest way on players and supporters to see everything that is going on.”

McKenna has revealed Sunday’s final will be shown free in all Odeon cinemas in an attempt to give as many people a taste of the All-Ireland final atmosphere.

“The demand is unprecedented and never in my lifetime have I seen anything like it,” he remarked. “What we are doing is showing the game in all the Odeon cinemas free of charge and families need only apply for tickets to attend.

“There are a number of town squares in both counties also showing games on big screens to allow people to enjoy the excitement of the game without having to travel.

“When you have so many people looking to come what we’re trying to do is work as many different options as possible to facilitate them if they can’t pick up a ticket.”

Following last Sunday week’s All-Ireland SHC final replay, McKenna said the GAA will also be better prepared to deal with both sets of supporters leaving at the same time should there be a draw in six days’ time.

Jones Road was more congested than usual after the Kilkenny-Galway game and there has been speculation that all patrons may be directed in one way in future.

McKenna said he is satisfied with Croke Park’s match-day event management but pointed out that they canalways improve their structures.

“We constantly review procedures and there’s nothing that can’t be done that bit better. The way we empty Croke Park in about eight minutes is pretty unique in a city and the way we manage and look after fans is very strong. We can pick up one or two lessons but in the main we do it well.”

McGill went further than director general Páraic Duffy, who last week said the GAA could have filled Croke Park twice over, and claimed they could have packed it three times its 82,300 capacity.

“All tickets are gone and we’d love to have access to more tickets so that everyone who could see this game could see it.

“Demand is unprecedented for any game ever. It’s incredible. Neutrals want to see it just as much as the participating counties.”

McGill stated the “exile factor” is at its highest for an All-Ireland decider with Mayo and Donegal ex-pats flying in to attend the game.

“It is, yes, but these are two very GAA-orientated counties,” stressed McGill.

It is likely there will be an increase in the uptake of season tickets in both counties next season, which guarantee the purchaser the chance to buy an All-Ireland final ticket providing they have attended a quota of games during the season.