Ticket goes for €7,100 amid mania

From outposts on the west coast of Ireland such as Ballycastle and Buncrana to the foreign metropolises of New York and Birmingham a GAA Gathering will descend on Ireland over the next 24 hours.

More than 150,000 people will travel to the capital hoping to see either Mayo or Donegal claim Sam Maguire. A first-ever meeting in an All-Ireland final between two sides that share just four ultimate victories in 128 years has put tickets at a premium.

That only 82,000 can get into the grounds means we are in the midst of a manic ticket search, with one seat sold on eBay yesterday for a reported €7,100.

Barry’s Hotel, the Big Tree, Quinns and Gills corner will be the final points of hope for the desperate. Those lucky enough to get their hands on one will hold them close, repeatedly making sure they are safe in their pockets as though they were their own children in a packed crowd.

For those who fail in the hunt, there will be disappointment. In 20 years’ time they will tell the next generation they had seats in the Hogan Stand and clapped their captain, be it Michael Murphy or Andy Moran, on the back as they lifted the cup.

For those from further ashore, to be in Ireland that day will be enough.

Open air screenings in Dublin, Donegal and Mayo will provide some with solace while pubs in both counties have been taking bookings for seats close to the television since Monday.

No matter what happens, both Mayo and Donegal are expecting a massive influx of supporters on Monday to drown away their sorrows or start celebrations that will last until Christmas.

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