DoneDeal removes ads for All-Ireland Hurling Final tickets

Anecdotal reports claim that some tickets are changing hands for between €600 and €1,000

Just over 82,000 will be at Croke Park on Sunday to watch Cork take on Clare in the final. File picture: Ray McManus/Sportsfile

DoneDeal has removed all listings for All-Ireland tickets amid calls for a review of touting legislation as Cork and Clare fans continue their scramble for Sunday’s big game.

The online classifieds marketplace said it removed all listings, including wanted ads, after Sinn Féin TD Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire brought to its attention the apparent auction of tickets on its site.

Amid anecdotal reports that some tickets are changing hands for between €600 and €1,000 — some 10 times their face value — four tickets were being effectively auctioned on DoneDeal on Thursday with the seller telling potential buyers he wanted to see what price he could get for them.

Confirming it had removed this, and all other All-Ireland ticket listings, DoneDeal told Mr Ó Laoghaire: “Considering the high demand and the unfairness associated with ticket touting and potential fraud, we believe this decision is the right one to ensure a fair and respectful marketplace for all users.” 

The Cork South Central TD welcomed the move but said said more needs to be done to protect consumers, with GAA fans being warned against online ticket scams as posts flooded several social media platforms offering tickets for sale.

“I recognise that this form of distribution of tickets is complex but we have to find a way that ensures people aren’t gouging or profiting from the sale of All-Ireland tickets,” he said.

“I don’t mind people transferring tickets, that’s part and parcel of it. The legislation has improved but it looks as if people might be finding a way around some elements of it.” 

The Sale of Tickets (Cultural, Entertainment, Recreational and Sporting Events) Bill 2021 came into force in July 2021 to ban the re-sale of tickets to live events, matches and concerts in designated events and venues, at a price above face value.

The act was designed to protect consumer rights and promote fairer access to tickets for cultural, entertainment, recreational and sporting events. There is an exemption for amateur sports clubs and registered charities for fundraising purposes. 

A person found guilty of an offence under the act will face a fine of up to €100,000 or up to two years imprisonment.

With Croke Park's capacity at just over 82,000, figures from 2023 show the GAA allocated final tickets as follows:

• 58,110 county allocations; 
• 10,528 premium/corporate; 
• 3,505 season tickets; 
• 2,381 term tickets; 
• 2,224 schools; 
• 1,221 sponsors; 
• 771 former GAA presidents and the Ard Comhairle; 
• 520 staff and sub-committees; 
• 480 overseas, 
• 360 provinces, 
• 254 press, 
• 240 third-level, 
• 212 rounders/handball, 
• 200 local residents, 
• 188 mini-games, 
• 148 national referee panel, 
• 148 matchday teams, 
• 142 for jubilee teams, 
• 140 for camogie, 
• 100 for ladies football, 
• 74 for tv and radio, 
• 60 for Sport Ireland.