Fans forced to pay top dollar for semi-final replay tickets

THERE will be no reduction in the cost of match tickets for Saturday’s Guinness All-Ireland SHC semi-final replay between Cork and Wexford.

Wexford PRO Alan Aherne said his county board sent a fax to Croke Park requesting a reduction in the cost of a ticket as a gesture of goodwill.

“We were informed that because of time constraints it was not possible to do so,” said Mr Aherne.

Tickets for the Hill 16 end will cost €20.00 while those for the Cusack and Hogan stands will cost €35.00. There is a €2 handling charge for those purchasing tickets via the website.

It is going to be a very expensive weekend for Cork hurling followers should they intend travelling to both the senior and minor All-Ireland semi-finals on successive days.

Cork chairman Jim Forbes agrees it will be very costly for fans, but says there is little than can be done to reduce the price of tickets.

“I can sympathise with our followers who have been magnificent to our team, but we have no control over prices,” he said.

“I would imagine tickets for the replay were printed in advance of knowing there was going to be a replay so as to make it a little easier for distribution should a replay be necessary.

“However when you consider the entertainment that has been provided by the teams and the desire for followers to be at the games, cost doesn’t become a factor”.

Meanwhile, tickets for this weekend’s Guinness All Ireland hurling championship semi-finals will go be on sale from the Ticket Office at the rear of the Cusack Stand tomorrow and Friday from 11am to 7pm.

Saturday’s replay between Wexford and Cork will have a 3.30pm throw-in while Sunday’s double header will see Kilkenny play Cork in the All Ireland minor semi-final at 1.45pm with Kilkenny playing Tipperary in the senior semi-final at 3.30pm.

Cork County Board will put tickets on sale at Páirc Uí Rinn tomorrow from 1pm until 9pm for Saturday’s replay.

Patrons are advised that there will be sufficient tickets available to meet the demand.

There will also be a limited number of tickets available for Sunday’s double header.